Atlantic Edge Music Services

Research, Consultation and Reporting

AEMS can offer a range of research, audit, consultation, feedback and report writing skills, offering its clients a comprehensive service across its chief areas of activity, knowledge and experience. These are focused on, but not limited to, music, and other cultural elements, issues, activities and initiatives.

Some examples of work already carried out in this particular context are:

• The initial study and report on the location, potential and viability of a music venue in Shetland, on behalf of Shetland Islands Council (1998) – eventually to become Shetland Arts Trust cinema and music centre project MAREEL (2002 – present)
• A study into the development of Shetland traditional music, in a visitor related context, using the Irish traditional music scene as a model – a research study and subsequent report commissioned by Shetland Tourist Board (1998). The subsequent initiative implementing the findings in Shetland went on to win a national tourism award - Thistle Award.
  
• A study into the need, potential for, and viability of, Further and Higher Education music provision within Shetland via Shetland College and in partnership with the University of the Highlands and Islands. This study, and subsequent report, was carried out in partnership with Adam Armit – an Edinburgh based music education specialist - on behalf of Shetland Islands Council and Shetland College. (2007)
  
• A study and subsequent report into the potential for business development / expansion and facility relocation in respect of the ‘Wrigley Sisters’ existing private business enterprise in Orkney. The study and report was commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Development Partners Ltd. (2008)
• AEMS are currently engaged to undertake an extensive local audit, and to deliver a findings report, on behalf of ‘ArtsPlay Shetland’. The study will measure existing arts provision for pre-school age groups, and young people up to the age of 8 years, and from this examine the need for future arts and cultural provision in this sector in the islands.
• AEMS are currently engaged by Shetland Islands Council and Shetland College to undertake additional research work in respect of their previous report into the potential for Further and Higher Music Education in Shetland. This work will study the practical and physical elements necessary to deliver such courses in Shetland and the human, technical and facility resources necessary to support them.

Over and above these specific research, consultation and reporting related projects, AEMS management was required, while employed in the role of Music Development Officer (1999 - 2006), to undertake extensive consultation, auditing and reporting provision on behalf of local and national agencies, and other funders / stakeholders, in relation to all elements of Shetland Arts Trust Music Development Project, as outlined in the Project Management section of this website.