Real Music Pathways for Ōtautahi Rangatahi
Ōtautahi is rich in young musical talent. Yet many secondary school students, particularly those facing financial or access barriers, lack the mentorship, equipment, and industry knowledge needed to move beyond school-level performance.
Hearing Now & Kotahi bridge that gap
Delivered by RDU 98.5FM, SALTBOX Studios, and Papanui Youth Development Trust, the programme creates a structured pathway from emerging talent to professional output.
Kotahi amplifies your school’s programme, opening doors for students to connect with opportunities beyond the classroom through strong community networks. Hearing Now gives them access to Ōtautahi’s premier audio and video studios, capturing their creativity and producing content with a professional polish they can truly be proud of.
Students pay a nominal fee to demonstrate their commitment to finishing this fully funded programme.
What Participants Receive
- Industry mentoring and professional workshops
- Live performance development
- A fully recorded and mastered studio single
- A high-quality live performance video
- Media assets and guidance for music release
- Direct connection to Aotearoa’s music industry
- Participants leave with tangible creative outputs and a clear understanding of sustainable music pathways.
Impact
In its pilot year, six rangatahi completed the programme, producing professional recordings and reporting increased confidence, stronger performance skills, and greater understanding of the industry.
The next phase expands capacity to support 18 young artists annually.
Our Commitment
Grounded in equity of access and culturally responsive practice, Hearing Now & Kotahi ensure opportunity is determined by talent, not circumstance. We partner with schools and community organisations to identify and support rangatahi who would benefit most.
Together, we can ensure Ōtautahi’s young musicians are not only heard — but equipped for creative futures.