by Author Dan Henchman

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New national alliance led by Youth Music aims to support next generation of young musicians

Youth Music has today announced the formation of the Alliance for a Musically Inclusive England, a collective of leading music organisations working together to promote diversity and cultural democracy in music education.

Made up of Youth Music and its new Fund C grantholders, the Alliance will play an integral role in driving forward musically inclusive practice alongside Youth Music’s diverse portfolio of Fund A and Fund B grantholders and other key stakeholders.

The 13 partners in the Alliance will work with Youth Music, adopting a collective impact framework – a structured approach to collaboration which includes agreeing a common agenda, identifying mutually reinforcing activities and the adoption of shared measurement systems to measure impact consistently.

Alliance members are united in a common purpose to transform music education in England to ensure that all children and young people can access music-making which is suitable for their needs and relevant to their interests. The organisations will form partnerships with local organisations to provide advice, champion the benefits of inclusive practice, and deliver activities for, by and with children and young people in their local area.

Music and related activities focus on access and progression of young people from all backgrounds – particularly those who wouldn’t normally get the opportunity. This comprises:

  • A wide range of music-making programmes including music-based mentoring, inclusive ensembles and special school orchestras, inclusive choirs, residencies, masterclasses, song-writing, online and face-to-face instrumental tuition, music production, performance skills, music-making for young children and parents – and lots more besides.
  • Programmes designed to open up access to industry placements and higher education courses, in particular for young disabled musicians.
  • Youth councils and steering groups, with a strong focus on young people influencing their own learning.
  • Work experience, supported volunteering, traineeships, internships and mentoring for young people – with roles in programming, producing, leading workshops, and being an ambassador.

Programmes are underpinned by a strong workforce development element, designed to ensure that the music-making activities on offer for children and young people are of the highest quality. This will help music educators from all backgrounds and at all career stages with training, networking, accreditation and peer support. Future activity will also include supporting Music Education Hubs to ensure their music-making practice is inclusive.

About the Alliance for a Musically Inclusive England

Alongside Youth Music, the 13 organisations in the Alliance for a Musically Inclusive England are:

Further information

To keep updated about the work of the alliance and opportunities to get involved, subscribe to the Youth Music Network newsletter.

The work commenced on 1 April 2018 and will run for four years. Youth Music is a delegated Lottery distributor, with funding coming from the National Lottery via Arts Council England.

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Photo: Young performers at a Brighter Sound project in Manchester