Why we exist "Sarah always enjoys her time with Paragon. The sessions have brought her joy, confidence and friendship." (parent) At Paragon we believe that music and the arts have the power to transform lives. Guided by our two key principles - equality and inclusion - we’re dedicated to inspiring young people and adults in Scotland to create new music and dance. Our team of professional musicians, dancers and composers create inclusive learning and performance environments where people from all walks of life, and with a wide range of additional support needs, can come together to develop new skills, meet new friends and discover their true potential. Our group workshops are fun, vibrant and accessible - promoting positive self-image, teamwork, communication and learning. And our one-to-one mentoring sessions aim to raise and fulfil people's creative aspirations, developing their skills and providing flexible, sustainable pathways to participation in the arts. Read more about the difference we make. Who can get involved? Paragon programmes are open and accessible to all - we aim to break down barriers and support everybody’s right to active participation in the arts. Sessions are available for both young people and adults, and are led by our team of highly trained professional musicians and facilitators who ensure the best person-specific support is given to all those involved. If you have any questions or would like to find out more about how we can support you in your creative learning, get in touch via [email protected] Ways to participate Our Music and Dance workshops are a great place to start your Paragon journey. With a focus on collective creativity, you'll be guided through the process of music-making and performance in a fun and social atmosphere. Everyone is encouraged to participate in whatever way they feel comfortable. In no time at all, you can expect to develop a wide range of skills and make new friends, whilst nurturing confidence and self-expression - and we encourage everyone, in their own time, to experience the joy of live performance! See our full range of programmes here. Groove and Sample are one-to-one creative mentoring programmes for young people and adults who have faced barriers to accessing the arts. With openness and flexibility it supports mentees to achieve their creative aspirations, whether these be to perform in public, create new work, begin a career in the industry, or simply immerse themselves in music or dance. Mentees are matched with a professional musician or dancer, trained in inclusive practice, to support their creative journey and map out a programme of developmental activity, as well as helping to establish long-term connections and further opportunities in line with their goals. We currently have over twenty adults and young people accessing the programmes - read some of their stories here. For more information about Groove please contact Groove Community Coordinator, Laura Hundert at [email protected] or the Groove Partnerships Coordinator, Beth Black at [email protected] For more information about Sample please contact Sample Coordinator, Emma Murdoch at [email protected] Donate to Paragon Please select a donation amount (required) £5 Suggested donation of the price of an in-person ticket for Paragon events £10 would buy a new accessible percussion instrument £20 would pay for a one-to-one mentoring session £50 would pay for a block of music or dance sessions for someone on our bursary scheme £100 would help to train a new practitioner in inclusive arts practice Other Set up a regular payment Donate The following documents are available to download: Paragon policies and procedures Paragon Online Code of Practice 2021 Environmental Policy Public Statement 2019 Social Value Lab - Impact Report 2021 Play On: Evaluation Report, University of Dundee 2014 Who Gets to Play?