This year, we've focused not only on growth, but also on giving back. This is the story behind our partnership with Music Evermore CIC!
At Rising Tide AI, we spend our days fine-tuning algorithms, solving tricky business problems, and delivering solutions that make our clients’ lives easier. But every once in a while, it’s good to step away from the screens and ask: how else can we make a difference?
That’s how we ended up partnering with Music Evermore CIC, a Manchester-based organisation bringing music education to young people who might otherwise miss out.
You might be thinking, What’s an AI company doing in the world of music education? Fair question. Let’s break it down.
Who Are We?
If you’re not familiar with Rising Tide AI, here’s the short version: we’re a small-but-mighty team of 16 based in Leeds. We launched in 2020 with one mission: to use AI and automation to solve business problems in a practical, down-to-earth way.
From legal firms to property professionals, we help organisations work smarter, not harder. Our ethos is built on honesty, trust, value, and innovation, which means no fluff, no buzzwords (unless you ask nicely), and no overpromising.
Why Music?
When it came to choosing our first major community project, music felt like a natural fit. Sure, we’re all about tech, but at the end of the day, we’re human too, so we love music.
One of our founders, Iain McKeith, for instance, is a drummer who took up the sticks later in life (he assures us it’s never too late to start, though we suspect his neighbours might disagree). Learning how to play the drums taught him patience, focus, and the importance of practice – skills that come in handy whether you’re mastering four-way coordination or debugging code.
But it’s not just about personal passion. Music education can be life-changing for young people. It builds confidence, fosters creativity, and helps develop skills that are useful far beyond the classroom.
AI and Music: An Unexpected Duo
At first glance, AI and music might seem like they’re from different worlds. But the truth is, they get along surprisingly well. Here’s how AI is shaking things up in music education:
- Tailored Lessons: AI-powered platforms can adjust the difficulty of music lessons based on how quickly (or slowly) a student progresses. No more one-size-fits-all learning.
- Real-Time Feedback: Imagine practising with an AI band that tells you when you’re offbeat or applauds when you nail that tricky solo.
- Composition Tools: Feeling stuck while writing a song? AI can suggest melodies or harmonies to help get the creative juices flowing.
- Collaboration Made Easy: AI can connect young musicians with similar interests, making it easier to form bands or write music together, even if they’re miles apart.
So, while we’re not suggesting robots will replace your guitar teacher anytime soon, they do make pretty good sidekicks.
Why We Chose Music Evermore CIC
We’re proud to support Music Evermore CIC for two main reasons:
They’re doing brilliant work
By giving young people access to music education, they’re opening doors to creativity, confidence, and community.
It’s close to home
While we’re based in Leeds, one of our founders is originally from Manchester, so this partnership feels more personal. Plus, it’s a great excuse to visit Manchester’s music venues (strictly for research purposes, of course).
This is our first time sponsoring an organisation like this, and we’re genuinely excited to see the impact it has.
A message to the young musicians from Iain
To the students who’ll benefit from the brilliant work of Music Evermore: we’re thrilled to be part of your journey! Learning an instrument isn’t always easy (trust us, we’ve been there), but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do.
Stick with it. Even when your scales sound more “cat stuck in a washing machine” than “future chart-topper,” keep going. Every practice session brings you closer to your goals, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.
May your riffs be smooth, your beats steady, and your neighbours patient.
