A Symphony Of Inclusivity

Youth Music is a national charity investing in inclusive, high-quality, creative music-making projects for children and young people aged under 25.

The charity's projects help its participants:

• develop personally, socially and musically, 
• build confidence, resilience, and self-esteem,
• meet different kinds of people, learn to trust each other and make friends, and
• develop vital skills, and get the support to take control of their lives.

And, when they're ready to leave, or the project comes to an end, staff help them progress to the next step: a job, a college course, or another music-making challenge.

The charity works particularly with those who don't get to make music because of who they are, where they live, or what they're going through. Projects funded by Youth Music help to break down barriers at all stages - helping children develop an early love of music, providing diverse role models, introducing young people to a wide variety of potential careers, and working with the music industry to make its practices more inclusive.

Youth Music has received incredible support from players of People's Postcode Lottery. Over £1.5 Million has been raised since 2013, which has enabled the charity to to transform its communications, grow its profile, and form exciting new partnerships. This has allowed the organisation to provide the best possible musical experiences for children and young people nationwide.

Young disabled people from across East London had the opportunity to experiment with new instruments and technology, improvise in a group and enjoy world-class performances from London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) musicians at the Youth Create Day. People's Postcode Lottery Ambassador Danyl Johnson was a special guest, and got involved in music-making alongside the young people taking part.

Danyl said, "As a musician, I know from personal experience how the power of music can change lives but I'm just blown away by this LSO project and the difference its music programme is making for disabled young people. I think players of People's Postcode Lottery would be delighted to know that they are supporting Youth Music and the LSO with this work, which is changing many young lives across East London."

Nadine Shah, Mercury Award nominated musician, led a residency for four young women in Newcastle, as part of Generator's We Create project. The young musicians - all hoping to pursue a career as recording artists - were given intensive mentoring and support from Nadine and her producer Ben Hillier. Each musician spent the week recording one of their own tracks, which they'll be able to use to further their next steps in the music industry.

Rebecca Gregson, We Create Co-ordinator, said, "A lot of the feedback we got from the songwriters was about their personal development. They've got that confidence to create opportunities for themselves. It's the empowerment of young women, in a really meaningful and long-term way, as well as the artistic outcomes."