At Sound Connections, we are dedicated to continuous learning and will use this feedback to make future events even more inclusive. If you attended and have any suggestions for improvement, we’d love to hear from you!
Reflecting on Inclusive Practice in Action 2025: A Day of Learning, Connection, and Inspiration
On February 27, 2025, we gathered at Rich Mix for Inclusive Practice in Action (IPIA) 2025—a day dedicated to exploring how we can break down barriers and create better musical futures for young people. This year’s theme, Unlocking Musical Futures: Overcoming Barriers to Progression for Young People, brought together an incredible mix of educators, musicians, industry professionals, and young people to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and learn from each other.
Audience members. Photo by Bell Caspi (@bellcaspi).
A Huge Team Effort
Events like IPIA 2025 don’t come together without a devoted team and a huge applause to everyone who made it run flawlessly. A special shoutout to our young producers—your hard work in the lead-up and on the day kept everything running smoothly. Your dedication, organisation, and energy made all the difference!
From left to right: Emily Perryman (Programme Producer, Sound Connections), Jasmine Padda (Programme Producer, Sound Connections), Alison Porter (Programme Manager, Sound Connections). Photo by Bell Caspi (@bellcaspi).
Wizdom Layne (Co-Director, Sound Connections. Photo by Bell Caspi (@bellcaspi).
A massive shout-out to our amazing young hosts, Mazvita Zhou and Yasmine Dankwah. With confidence and warmth, they kept the day running smoothly, engaging a full room from start to finish—an impressive accomplishment! Their energy, professionalism, and approachable presence created a truly welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Yasmine Dankwah, IPIA Co-Host. Photo by Bell Caspi (@bellcaspi).
Mazvita Zhou, IPIA Co-Host. Photo by Bell Caspi (@bellcaspi).
A Great Space with Great People
Rich Mix provided a dynamic space for IPIA 2025, and we’re grateful to their team for the support throughout the event. We were also lucky to have a delicious Bangla lunch provided by our caterers, Oitij-Jo Collective, a real highlight for many attendees.
Powerful Conversations and Inspiring Voices
The real magic of the day came from the incredible speakers and panellists who shared their experiences and insights. Every session added a new layer to the conversation, and the honesty and depth of discussion were inspiring. As Emily Perryman, the event manager, put it:
Every speaker and panellist brought something special to the table. The conversations we had were open, thought-provoking, and, most importantly, actionable. There was a real sense of collective responsibility and determination to make change happen.
Emily Perryman, Programme Producer (Training and Professional Development), at Sound Connections
Phil Nelson (@pathwaysintomusic). Photo by Bell Caspi (@bellcaspi).
Natalia Wierzbicka (Nat Willow) (@natwillowviolin). Photo by Bell Caspi (@bellcaspi).
From left to right: Jusnah Gadi, Lateshia Howell (@teashahowell), Tegan Hodson (@tegan.mp3), Savannah Simms (@savannah.savannah.savannah). Photo by Bell Caspi (@bellcaspi).
From left to right: Nadia Traynor-Herenda (@nadia.t.h), Dr. Michael Tang (@king_zausage). Photo by Bell Caspi (@bellcaspi).
We explored a wide range of topics, from systemic barriers in the music industry to practical strategies for supporting young musicians. A highlight of the day was the keynote address from Natasha Hendry, which challenged us to think bigger and strive for real, impactful change in creating opportunities for progression.
Natasha Hendry (@the_music_psychologist). Photo by Bell Caspi (@bellcaspi).
What We Can Do Better
The Sound Connections team will come together to reflect on IPIA 2025, incorporating feedback and insights as we begin planning for IPIA 2026!
IPIA 2025 was a fantastic day, but we recognise that there’s always room for improvement. Feedback from delegates highlighted accessibility as an area for continued focus. While the venue was accessible and live captioning was provided throughout the day, we know there’s more we can do to ensure that every attendee can fully engage and participate.
Audience members. Photo by Bell Caspi (@bellcaspi).
IPIA 2025 left us feeling inspired, motivated, and deeply connected to our mission. It was a privilege to witness so many passionate individuals come together, share knowledge, and drive meaningful change.
Seeing the community come together with such enthusiasm reinforces the importance of our mission. The conversations we started here won’t stop today. They’ll continue to shape the work we do and the change we push for in the music sector.
Emily Perryman, Programme Producer (Training and Professional Development), at Sound Connections
Emily Perryman, Programme Producer (Sound Connections). Photo by Bell Caspi (@bellcaspi).
A huge thank you to everyone who made IPIA 2025 such a meaningful event—the team, our young producers and hosts, the speakers, panellists, venue staff, caterers, and, most importantly, every attendee who contributed and engaged in these vital conversations.
If you couldn’t join us, stay tuned to our website for resources, recordings, and opportunities to stay involved. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue working together to unlock musical futures for all young people!
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