Time TBC.
About Young Sounds UK
For 25 years, Young Sounds UK has supported talented young people from low-income families, helping them to overcome financial and social barriers. Whatever the genre or style, our programmes help young musicians from across the UK to fulfil their musical potential. Whether funding instruments, lessons or transport, expanding musical networks or giving them opportunities to perform, we do everything we can to give individual support to young people in need. Our programmes not only sustain musical journeys; we also help others identify and nurture talent wherever they find it. Young Sounds UK is a proud member of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio of funded organisations for 2023 – 2026 and one of eight new National Youth Music Organisations.
Our programmes
There are four programmes to our work:
- Discover – training teachers and music leaders in how to spot and nurture young people’s musical potential
- Connect – targeting and sustaining young people’s emerging talent through individual support in 20 hubs across England
- Thrive – funding young talent UK-wide, through annual grants and tailor-made help for individual musicians
- Innovate – in our independent role in the music education sector, leading new thinking and action on talent development
Each of our programmes is built around two key aims; removing the financial barriers and other obstacles that prevent young people getting into music and helping realise their potential once they’re on their way. We’re here to give the best help and support possible, inspiring them to not only succeed, but excel. To learn more about our programmes, please watch this film
Discover
This training invites teachers – both music specialists and non-specialists – to explore how they can ensure the way they teach music gives every child the best opportunity to show their musical talent and potential so it can be spotted, nurtured and developed. We know that due to family circumstances, culture or background, there is a difference in the levels of prior musical experience which impacts the way children can engage with music in school.
The training explores a range of musical games and activities, delving into what they’re really telling us about the young people we work with. We also offer suggestions for making small changes to enable teachers and musicians to spot signs which might otherwise get missed. We look at creative vs recreative activities, diversity over uniformity, the importance of a curious mindset, time and space for exploration and noise in the classroom. We discuss strategies for working in large classes and when teaching whole class instrumental programmes.
The training is underpinned by 8 Facets of Musical Potential which have been developed in partnership with Lead Facilitator Hugh Nankivell. They’ve been tested in a range of settings including primary, secondary and special schools as well as in the community, and can be applied by someone without any prior musical knowledge. We have a suite of films and other resources to accompany them which illustrate what you might spot and how the facets might manifest themselves.
Ahead of the training session, we invite you to watch this film about one teacher’s experience of the Discover training and take a look at our 8 Facets of Musical Potential.
Digital Delivery.