We have supported 18 schools and grassroots music organisations to keep doing what they do and expand their youth programmes
We are reaching 12,000 young people through our organisation-based funding – and this number will keep growing
All of the grassroots organisations we support work with young people and communities in need – including low-income backgrounds, children in care, youth with special educational needs and more
We have invested into music education nationwide
Tinderbox Collective is co-developing free “instrument libraries” across public libraries in Scotland. These will bring music education closer to home for thousands of borrowers – young and old – by providing access to instruments, practice spaces and performance opportunities.
We are also supporting Tinderbox’s signature programmes in Edinburgh, including a multi-genre orchestra, music technology lab and youth music hub.
We are responding to the needs of instrument libraries in Scotland by co-developing safe storage spaces and other critical infrastructure to increase access to instruments.
We are working to upgrade music studio facilities in Coventry’s Alternative Provision Academy – allowing young people who have faced challenges in mainstream education to find safe spaces through music-making, rapping and production.
Craigroyston High School is receiving our support for a much-needed upgrade to its keyboard desks and keyboards – giving students an impactful, accessible way to learn music in a classroom setting.
We are supporting Hotbox Entertainment – a platform for diverse grassroots artists – to record a mixtape, elevate their performance programmes for young artists and enhance their recording equipment.
We have provided funding to The Tin Music and Arts – a community space which gives young artists affordable rehearsal spaces, mentorship and performance opportunities.
In 2025, Sound Progression will launch a new weekend music programme for teenagers (14-19). This drop-in programme will give all young persons free access to studio spaces, mentorship and workshops year-round.
Sound Progression will also expand its performance programme to engage more underrepresented youth in showcases, festival gigs, industry shadowing and recording sessions.
Partnering with the Coventry Music Hub, we are supporting Barr’s Hill school to expand their practice spaces and provide access to music studios for the wider Coventry community.
Fitzalan School will offer free or highly-subsidised private instrument lessons for students in need - including students at the margin of Free School Meal eligibility and those with behavioural challenges.
We are funding Rhythm Studio Foundation to expand its primary schools programme, offering composition, singing and performance workshops to schools in-need across London.
We are helping Only Boys Aloud to secure rehearsal spaces, choir leaders and equipment as they work to build young people’s confidence and teamwork skills through choral singing.
Oh Yeah Centre has secured funding to deliver a groundbreaking, genre-bending “Future Sounds of Belfast” programme for 100 young musicians a year. Young people gather for weekly workshops, rehearsals, studio sessions and industry mentoring culminating in a year-end performance at no cost.
West Pilton Community Centre will organise live music and youth activities at its 2025 “North Edinburgh Community Festival” with our support, bringing the community together to celebrate music.
With our support, Drake NI will expand its pilot programme of training & music technology for teens with mental health challenges and at risk of isolation.
We are supporting a range of Brighten the Corners projects in Ipswich – including industry pathway programmes, youth performance opportunities and music workshops.
Ministry of Life’s “Cardiff Music Conference” will feature live performances from 50+ young artists undertaking music qualifications in alternative education settings.
We are working with Sound Connections to provide year-long support for youth music organisations across the UK, including micro-grants and capacity-building on fundraising, communications and other skills.
With our support, TRACKS will expand its Alternative Provision and Saturday music school programme for youth-in-need and launch an industry development programme.
Lucy Revis , TRACKS “
I feel the change coming for us thanks to ESF. We are so excited to build meaningful connections in music with our young people