Organisations
We surveyed over 60 organisations supporting more than 10,000 young musicians across the capital.
Club Soda
We are an organisation that supports people with learning disabilities to get involved in the arts. Our activities are for young people and adults. We provide opportunities in music, DJing, acting, filmmaking, art, radio photography and more. We also run some of London’s most popular integrated live events.
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory arts organisation
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
Ham Youth Centre
Ham In Session is our music project for young people where they can come along and learn DJing, electric guitar, drumming, studio recording, beat making and loads more. The studio is open 4 times a week, get in touch to book your slot.
- Organisation Type: Youth club / club
- Boroughs: Kingston upon Thames, Richmond upon Thames
School Ground Sounds
School Ground Sounds (SGS) works with secondary schools and young people in lower-income areas of London to provide additional music opportunities and to enhance their music education. Our programme includes recording studio experience, one-to-one mentoring with industry professionals, a six-week industry crash course, competitions, live performance opportunities and the showcasing of talent online.
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory music organisation
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
CM
Diverse programme of instrumental tuition, band support opportunities, degree provision and music leader training, alongside NEET-focused music programmes and live events.
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory music organisation
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
Lister Community School
Extra-curricular opportunities for our students and young people from the local community, and in particular, cross-phase ensembles bringing together students aged 8 – 16.
- Organisation Type: School / special school / Pupil Referral Unit
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Newham
Centre for Young Musicians
Since its founding in 1970, the Centre for Young Musicians has provided high quality progressive music training for thousands of talented children from all of London’s boroughs and beyond. The Centre is based at Morley College, close to Waterloo and the South Bank. More than 420 young musicians aged 8 to 18 attend the Saturday Centre for 32 weeks of the school year, each following an individual programme of study across a range of genres from classical to jazz, gamelan, folk and music theatre. Many also create their own music and songs. Still more children benefit from CYM Holiday Courses– ranging from Junior and Intermediate Courses (up to Grade 6 level) to the highly regarded London School’s Symphony Orchestra and the London Youth Wind Band.
- Organisation Type: Youth ensemble / orchestra / choir
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
Southwark Music Service
Southwark Music Service aims to enrich the lives of all Southwark children and young people by making the learning of music dynamic, energetic, varied and fun. We are are proud to be working with our partners in the Southwark Music Hub to maximise the many diverse musical opportunities for those living and learning in Southwark.
- Organisation Type: Music education hub
- Boroughs: Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark
Abbey Manor College
Abbey Manor College is the Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) for Lewisham Borough. In the music course we cover Level 2 BTEC in Music and Bronze and Silver Arts Awards. Students study a range of musical activities including technology, performance and composition. Students also sit two exams- Music and Production Analysis and The Music Industry.
- Organisation Type: School / special school / Pupil Referral Unit
- Boroughs: Lewisham
Drake Music
We are leaders in music, disability and technology. We believe everyone has the right to express themselves creatively through music and we use innovative technologies and ideas to open up access to music for all. Our aim is to increase participation in music-making at all levels and to break down disabling barriers using technology. Our vision is a world where disabled and non-disabled musicians work together as equals.
- Organisation Type: National umbrella / music development organisation
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
THAMES
Tower Hamlets Arts & Music Education Service (THAMES) is the lead organisation for the Music Education Hub in both Tower Hamlets and The City of London. Working closely with all schools, we provide regular quality music and arts education opportunities for all children and young people in both Tower Hamlets and the City. We also work in partnership with local and national Arts organisations to offer our schools the best opportunities for enhancing their curriculum work.
- Organisation Type: Music education hub
- Boroughs: Tower Hamlets
Ark
The Ark Music Programme is designed to build lifelong love of a variety of musics for all pupils in Ark schools. The Programme provides a progressive curriculum from Reception to A-level; a vocally-driven Primary Programme which broadens to whole class instrumental work; GCSE support; Gifted and Talented network ensembles; initial teacher training; and performance and showcasing opportunities.
- Organisation Type: Academy network
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
Haringey Shed
Inclusive arts organisation providing after school and holiday activities for young people ages 7-16, including theatre, band, dance and choir.
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory arts organisation
- Boroughs: Enfield, Haringey, Waltham Forest
Acts 29
Acts 29 is a community arts organisation which works closely with secondary schools, local authorities and local music hubs to deliver our mission; to empower young people to realise their purpose and mobilise their potential through music and youth work.
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory arts organisation
- Boroughs: Ealing, Hillingdon
StreetVibes Youth
StreetVibes offers music and media-based education, training and skills support for young people aged 11-19 years old.
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory music organisation
- Boroughs: Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark
Good Vibrations
We run week-long courses where groups of 20 people learn to play a gamelan orchestra from scratch. They compose, conduct, improvise, put on a concert and produce a CD. The course develops life and work skills linked to desistance from crime. We work with offenders, people experiencing mental illness and other vulnerable members of the community.
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory music organisation
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
Drum Works
Drum Works is an organisation committed to empowering social change through Drumming. We use fast, high energy processes to engage young people, allowing us to then move on to more advanced and focused development in different areas.
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory music organisation
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Hammersmith and Fulham, Newham, Tower Hamlets
Heart n Soul
Heart n Soul is an award-winning creative arts company. We believe in the talents and power of people with learning disabilities. We provide creative spaces for disabled and non-disabled artists and participants to come together and develop and share their ideas. Creative sessions, including music, take place once a month on a Saturday for young people aged 10-25 with learning disabilities.
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory arts organisation
- Boroughs: Bromley, Camden, Croydon, Greenwich, Islington, Lewisham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets
Roundhouse
The Roundhouse Trust is a registered charity with an objective to provide ‘space to create’ for 11 to 25 year olds. We offer an open access programme of projects for young creatives including a full complement of music, performing arts and media projects. We have a particular focus on those young people who have been excluded, marginalised or disadvantaged by society and work to enable them to find pathways back into education, work or simply to enjoy a wider cultural life. We produce the flagship annual Roundhouse Rising Festival of emerging and new music.
- Organisation Type: Venue
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
Wired4Music
Wired4Music, hosted by Sound Connections, is a unique leadership programme for young Londoners who are passionate about music. We give young music-minded people from across the city the opportunity to create their own projects and events, develop their skills and influence music through consultation, market research and advocacy. For example taking part in The Big Music Project, designed to offer experience in mixing, recording, setting up equipment and putting young people in contact with industry professionals.
- Organisation Type: Social enterprise
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
Kinetika Bloco
Kinetika Bloco is a performance group with an exuberant mix of young musicians creating a “unique new British Carnival sound with a decidedly London edge”. Our mission is to get young people from South London engaged in long term creative activity advancing their education, skills, and capacity.
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory music organisation
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
Raw Material
Raw Sounds is a programme of music and creative media sessions for people with mental health needs, open to young people and adults between the ages of 16-65 accessing mental health services.
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory arts organisation
- Boroughs: Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, Wandsworth
Academy of St Martin in the Fields
Our learning programme focuses on encouraging and boosting orchestral playing. We work with Newham, Islington, Lambeth and Slough Music Education Hubs as well as London-based youth orchestras NOFA and Hackney Youth Orchestra to provide a range of opportunities including creative ensemble holiday projects (based Islington and Newham but open to all), interactive performances and creative workshops in schools (Islington and Newham), and family concerts (Islington). We provide open rehearsal opportunities to students and young musicians across London. We also have professional development partnerships with the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and Southbank Sinfonia, which includes coaching workshops and opportunities to development leadership skills through assisting our learning projects.
- Organisation Type: Higher Education institution
- Boroughs: Camden, Hackney, Islington, Lambeth, Newham
Barbican Guildhall Creative Learning
Barbican Guildhall Creative Learning aims to provide a range of arts projects to people of all ages, covering a diverse range of styles, genres and disciplines including music making opportunities.
- Organisation Type: Cultural organisation
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
CRISP / Creative Croydon
Short-term project focusing on creative accessible music-making. Expression and collaboration focused, ‘in the moment’ music-making.
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory music organisation
- Boroughs: Croydon, Sutton
Creative Futures (UK) Ltd
Creative Futures is a multi-arts charity which transforms the lives of disadvantaged children and young people through creative projects which raise aspiration, achievement and self confidence. We work in Early Years, Primary, SEN and with Looked After Children.
- Organisation Type: Social enterprise
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Hackney, Hounslow, Islington, Newham, Wandsworth, Westminster
London Sinfonietta
We mainly provide the KX Collective, which brings together young people from Kings Cross and its surrounding areas. Participants work in collaboration with a composer and London Sinfonietta players to experiment and be creative with music making. The project and its finished product are entirely participant-led.
- Organisation Type: Orchestra
- Boroughs: Camden, Islington
BEAT
Barnet Education Arts Trust absolutely loves to make music! Whether you are a young classical, jazz or rock musician we have bands and groups at our three music centres (located in East Barnet, Finchley and Hendon). If you sing we have choirs, and if you are a teacher we have training opportunities and advice. We can hire out orchestral instruments if you are having lessons through us with one of our 170 qualified and CRB checked fabulous teachers. We stage concerts regularly and every Summer organise a seven night festival at the Arts Depot for all our schools. Look out for our partnership work with seven other North and West London music hubs (Music8London).
- Organisation Type: Music education hub
- Boroughs: Barnet
Music In Detention
MID runs participatory music activities with immigration detainees and excluded groups living nearby. They share thoughts and emotions, learn musical skills and create arresting music of raw power. They make their voices heard and learn from each other’s life experience. This work builds resilience, confidence, and informed attitudes about immigration.
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory music organisation
- Boroughs: Hillingdon, Hounslow
Kingston Music Service
Kingston Music Service (KMS) is the lead organisation for the Kingston Music Education Hub which is funded by Arts Council England. The service provides instrumental and vocal music lessons to young people in Kingston’s schools and music centres. The services we provide enrich the lives of young people in the borough by offering opportunities to become actively involved in a wide variety of music activities, including workshops, musical ensembles and masterclasses.
- Organisation Type: Music education hub
- Boroughs: Kingston upon Thames
Sound and Music
Sound and Music is the national organisation for new music. We work with composers of all ages and stages of their development and provide practical support and activities for young composers and creative musicians as well as their teachers and music leaders.
- Organisation Type: National umbrella / music development organisation
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
Brent Music Service
Brent Music Service (BMS) is proud to have introduced the fun and challenges of music to over 90,000 young people in the last 16 years. BMS provides instrumental and vocal tuition throughout most schools in the London borough of Brent, as well as a primary school music programme called Music’sCool. Brent Music Service also runs evening centres offering a wide range of instrumental ensembles and choirs to support the on-going development of its young musicians from as early as Year 3 up to aged 19. Brent Music Service is also the lead partner of the Brent Music Education Hub, and is fully committed to its musical development programmes and joint projects with its local and national partners.
- Organisation Type: Music education hub
- Boroughs: Brent
English Folk Dance and Song Society
EFDSS offer folk music and dance holiday courses for children and young people at Cecil Sharp House, run the London Youth Folk Ensemble, and deliver folk music projects and Continuing Professional Development in schools, music hubs and other settings across London and the UK.
- Organisation Type: Cultural organisation
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
Soundmix
Soundmix provides regular music-making sessions to young refugees and asylum seekers who are separated from their families. We use guitars, keyboards and percussion to develop existing talents and teach new skills with a focus on performance and composition.
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory music organisation
- Boroughs: Croydon, Newham
Lewisham Music Service
Music is an important part of children and young people’s learning. Every week we have over 5,000 young people in attendance throughout the borough and beyond. Instrumental and vocal lessons are provided in most of the borough’s schools as well as a wide range of lessons, bands and choirs and ensembles of all shapes and sizes in after school centres and the Saturday music centre. Lewisham Music Service is the lead partner in the Lewisham Music Hub, a new network of local and regional music organisations supporting music learning in and out of school across the borough and beyond for young people aged 5 to 18.
- Organisation Type: Music education hub
- Boroughs: Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark
Haringey Music Service
Haringey Music Service is lead partner in Haringey Music Education Hub and provides instruments all/vocal tuition in local schools supplemented by “Haringey Young Musicians”, a thriving cross-borough ensembles programme.
- Organisation Type: Music education hub
- Boroughs: Brent, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, Waltham Forest
City University London
We offer a diverse range of activities and opportunities for students within our Degree Courses in Music: BMus, MA, DMA and PhD.
- Organisation Type: Higher Education institution
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
Royal College of Music
RCM Sparks is the Royal College of Music’s Learning and Participation programme. It provides opportunities for everyone to make or learn about music at the RCM. In 2013-14 RCM Sparks has ignited creativity in over 4000 members of the local schools and community and trained over 165 RCM students and graduates. Sparks workshops aim to offer inspirational learning experiences for all regardless of circumstances or financial means. Therefore, free places are on offer for children who are eligible (whether claimed or not) for free school meals and their families, ‘looked-after’ children i.e. children looked by the local authority or in foster care and their families, children who live in social housing and their families, or families who are eligible for housing benefit.
- Organisation Type: Higher Education institution
- Boroughs: Brent, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster
Everyone’s Climbing Tree
ECT specialises in offering group music activity (primarily West African Percussion) to marginalized teenagers in the Youth Justice System Haringey.
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory music organisation
- Boroughs: Haringey
London Youth Choir
We run five Choirs for young people aged 8-21 from all 33 London Boroughs, including Boys’ 8-12; Girls’ 8-12; Training Choir 12-15; Youth Choir 15-21; Chamber Choir 18-21. We run a workshop roadshow across all 33 boroughs to promote quality singing. Our Young Leadership programme is in place with 10 aspiring vocal/choral leaders.
- Organisation Type: Youth ensemble / orchestra / choir
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
Ignite Trust
Ignite Trust’s purpose is to work with at risk and vulnerable young people from disadvantaged backgrounds through positive activities such as dance, after school clubs and specialist activities for particular groups (such as young parents) that lead to lasting change. They run open sessions for young people (aged 13-19), Arts Award courses (music), and open mic nights for young people (13-19).
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory music organisation
- Boroughs: Harrow
Southbank Sinfonia
Side-by-side orchestral mentoring schemes, free schools’ concerts for KS2, passenger seats performance opportunities and in-school composition workshops culminating in performances.
- Organisation Type: Orchestra
- Boroughs: Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Southwark
The Midi Music Company
Instrumental and vocal music lessons for 5-16 year olds – adult courses such as music production, guitar, and voice workshops – rehearsal rooms, recording studio, multimedia room, and access to music production facilities. We host three music artist showcases and three music industry seminars per year.
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory music organisation
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
Tomorrow’s Warriors
Tomorrow’s Warriors is a leading music education/professional development organisation and award-winning creative producer working nationally and internationally with some of the most exciting, most diverse new, emerging and established jazz artists in the UK, with a special focus on those from the African diaspora and girls.
- Organisation Type: Youth ensemble / orchestra / choir
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
Mytime Active – ArtsTrain
ArtsTrain is a creative music project providing support for young people and music leaders to take the next steps in their musical and personal development.
- Organisation Type: Music education hub
- Boroughs: Bexley, Bromley
Irene Taylor Trust
Making Tracks consists of a 5 day intensive project followed by a series of weekly music sessions. During the intensive week, participants form a band alongside a team of professional musicians. They create, rehearse, record and perform new music. The follow-on sessions allow participants to continue developing their skills.
- Organisation Type: National umbrella / music development organisation
- Boroughs: Lambeth
KimNara Music
Social music workshops that include song writing, live band music making and interactive performance for those with autism and related learning difficulties.
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory music organisation
- Boroughs: Hackney
Animate Orchestra
Animate Orchestra is a Young Person’s Orchestra for the 21st Century. Young people create their own new music inspired by existing orchestral repertoire and influenced by their own tastes and styles. Activities include holiday courses, high profile performance opportunities, 1 day projects and membership to our Backstage scheme giving young people ticket offers and other opportunities across London.
- Organisation Type: Youth ensemble / orchestra / choir
- Boroughs: Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark
Key Changes
We provide music engagement and recovery services in hospitals and the community for young people and adults experiencing mental health problems.
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory music organisation
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
Royal National Institute of Blind People
Support for the music making of blind and partially sighted people
- Organisation Type: National umbrella / music development organisation
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
Grand Union Orchestra
The unique Grand Union Youth Orchestra, London’s pioneering world music and jazz youth ensemble, brings together young musicians aged 12 – 26 who wish to explore the world’s major musical cultures, and offers them a wonderful range of artistic opportunities
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory music organisation
- Boroughs: Enfield, Hackney, Harrow, Havering, Hounslow, Lambeth, Lewisham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest
Horniman Museum and Gardens
The Horniman Museum and Gardens in South East London has been open since the Victorian era, when the tea trader and philanthropist, Frederick John Horniman first opened his house and extraordinary collection of objects to the local community. Since then, our collection has grown significantly and includes internationally important collections of anthropology and musical instruments, as well as an acclaimed aquarium and natural history gallery – all surrounded by 16 acres of beautiful Gardens offering breathtaking views across London.
- Organisation Type: Museum
- Boroughs: Croydon, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark
The DJ & MC Academy
We provide workshops in the a art of music. From songwriting and structures to music production and DJ’ing. We also have DJ vans which we take out to open spaces and estates. We write Btecs for colleges and take on a variety of volunteers and work experience placements. We have a state of the art studio and run a record label where we develop talent from indie to urban music.
- Organisation Type: Community / participatory music organisation
- Boroughs: Barnet, Camden, Ealing, Greenwich, Hackney, Haringey, Harrow, Islington
Isledon Arts CIC
Through Isledon Arts CIC we manage two youth hubs in Islington. Platform is a stunning new arts centre in the old Hornsey Road Baths near Finsbury Park. Lift is a healthy living hub near Angel, complete with gym, dance studio and numerous multi-use rooms. Lift Kitchen provides an in-house service for cafes at the hubs and also outside catering at local events.
- Organisation Type: Music education hub
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
London Symphony Orchestra (Discovery department)
We provide a range of activities for children and young people including: early years workshops; hospital visits; workshops and performances for schools and families; projects with SEND schools; youth choirs; digital technology workshops for teenagers; coaching for young musicians; and tailored courses for new generations of composers and performing artists.
- Organisation Type: Orchestra
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Bexley, City of London, Greenwich, Hackney, Havering, Islington, Lewisham, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest
Cardboard Citizens
Cardboard Citizens is a theatre company that works with people who are homeless, have been or are at risk of homelessness. We produce touring theatre and run a workshop programme for members, including ACT NOW our young people’s programme. We deliver qualifications and provide Information, Advice and Guidance support for members.
- Organisation Type: Theatre / performing arts company
- Boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster
Soundcastle
We initiate and run creative music-making projects for young people and families in community settings. These are accessible for all ages and ability levels, and can include Arts Award provision. We also offer training and consultancy in creative music faciliation for practitioners and organisations.
- Organisation Type: Social enterprise
- Boroughs: Camden, Greenwich, Tower Hamlets
Fairbeats!
Fairbeats! provides inclusive music sessions at refugee community organisations in London. These creative sessions singing, song writing; ukulele and fife instrumental sessions and band.
- Boroughs: Bromley, Greenwich, Kingston upon Thames, Lewisham, Southwark
Key Stats
Our most actively surveyed borough are:
- Camden
- Greenwich
- Hackney
- Islington
- Lewisham
Types of accreditation
The only types of accreditation used by respondents to our survey were Arts Award and PEARL
Top 2 reasons for wanting to support progression:
- To enable the development of musical skills
- To increase access to activities that enable participants to transcend their circumstances
The biggest barrier to organisations supporting progression:
Staff capacity to prepare young people for progression activities, limited by lack of funding
Top 5 challenges worked with are:
- Economic deprivation
- Special Educational Needs
- English as a second language
- Mental health
- Not in employment, education or training
Resources
Preliminary recommendations towards a quality assurance mark for excellence in musical progression for children and young people living in challenging circumstances in London
Catherine Carter, Co-Founder of Fairbeats! conducted an action research project exploring excellence in musical progression for children and young people living in challenging circumstances in London. This report seeks to make preliminary recommendations for a quality assurance mark around excellence in progression for children and young people living in challenging circumstances in London. This action research was commissioned by Sound Connections as part of the Taking Off research project on what meaningful musical progression looks like for young Londoners facing challenging circumstances.
Measuring and Accrediting Soft Outcomes
Julian Knight, Creative Director of Creative Futures, conducted an action research project on measuring and accrediting the soft outcomes of arts projects for children and young people in challenging circumstances. In this report, Julian shares his thoughts on the suitability of a number of existing outcomes frameworks for working in these settings, and makes some recommendations for arts projects considering accrediting soft outcomes in their work. This action research was commissioned by Sound Connections as part of the Taking Off research project on what meaningful musical progression looks like for young Londoners facing challenging circumstances.
The Role of the Support Worker
Hermione Jones, Personal Development Manager at the Irene Taylor Trust, conducted an action research project on the role of the support worker in music projects for young people in challenging circumstances. In this report, Hermione investigates the importance of the Personal Development Manager role in the work of the Trust, and shares her findings from her research with other support workers in music, non-music, and non-arts settings. This action research was commissioned by Sound Connections as part of the Taking Off research project on what meaningful musical progression looks like for young Londoners facing challenging circumstances.
Explaining the Pathfinders framework
In Taking Off we talk about Grassroots, Intermediary and Next Step organisations. This relates to a model of progression created by Fairbeats! in their Pathfinders report. Find out more here.
Taking Off Progression Surveys Report
Taking Off is a Sound Connections project which aims to increase access to musical progression opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people in London across the full diversity of the offer and at every level of participation and excellence. To take a networked approach to exploring meaningful, personalised and diverse pathways between challenging settings and ‘next step’ cultural organisations. Read the findings from the first phase of our research in this report.
Young Researcher Case Study - Will
Filmmaker Will made a short documentary exploring the progression story of his friend Michael – a young bassist in the band Sisteray. The film is interspersed with Will’s thoughts about the Taking Off conference that he attended and filmed, and his own feelings about progression opportunities for young musicians in London.
Taking Off Conference - provocations panel (film)
This film shows the panel of provocations from our Taking Off conference in 2015 in full.
Taking Off Conference - research presentation: Fairbeats!
Sound Connections Programme Manager Jenn Raven and Co-Founder of Fairbeats! Catherine Carter presented an introduction to progression routes research, approaches and frameworks at the Taking Off conference in 2015. This film shows key moments from the presentation, including highlights and recommendations from the research, and a workshop for delegates to consider ways in which to support and enable musical progression within their contexts.
Taking Off Conference - the Musical Progression Support Worker
Hermione Jones, Irene Taylor Trust, shared her action research commissioned by Sound Connections at the Taking Off conference in 2015. Her research was on the role of the support worker in working with young people in challenging circumstances, and how she created this new role within her organisation. This film shares key moments from Hermione’s workshop.
Taking Off Conference - Provocations panel
A summary of the five-minute provocations from speakers at our Taking Off conference in November 2015, on the themes of meaningful musical progression for young people facing challenging circumstances, and where the music education community ‘is at’ with musical inclusion in 2015. The provocations were followed by Solution Groups with delegates, where positive actions were reached and shared. The speakers were Adem Holness, Amy Haynes, Jonathan Westrup, and Gary Spruce.
Taking Off Conference - International Music Education Exchanges
Jim Pinchen, Surrey Music Hub, delivered a workshop at Taking Off – this year’s Challenging Circumstances Music Network conference – on international music education exchanges, where he shared his learning from six months spent in Mexico.
Young Researcher Case Study - Shakira
Shakira presents two progression case studies – the first tells the story of John, a Raw Sounds participant. The second is Shakira’s own journey.
Young Researcher Case Study - Lilly
Lilly used her case study to profile Kali – an artist and performer from Heart n Soul – and showcases Kali’s progression journey in this film.
Young Researcher Case Study - Scarlett
“My name is Scarlett and I am a London based musician (keys and backing vocals). I was asked to make a short clip by Sound Connections documenting my journey regarding this year thus far. I am working with Sound Connections in collaboration with Kinetika Bloco and have been for the last few months. I am not a professional film editor by any means, but I thought it would be a better way to scratch the surface on my year as I am more of a visual person. It documents the beginnings of my journey, and I hint at some of the things I’ve been up to and hope to achieve. I hope you enjoy it.”
Young Researcher Case Study - Adem
Adem writes about a focus group session for Wired4Music members, focusing on what meaningful progression looks like for young musicians aged 16-25 in London.
