Discover
Young Sounds UK bring Discover training to Aberdeen
We’ve been running our Discover training in England since 2008 and we’re now looking to start the programme in Scotland! Starting with free sessions in Aberdeen.
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The Big Give – Diego’s Story
At Young Sounds UK, we believe all young people should be able to chase their musical passions and pursue promising musical careers. Unfortunately, the rising costs of music education too often get in the way – instruments, tuition, repair costs and travel can be extremely expensive and hinder a young musician’s growth. This was the case with young flautist Diego.
Young Sounds UK first supported Diego in 2018, when he was just 11 years old. Diego came to us requiring support for instrumental lessons and flute repair costs. He’s since been able to use our funding towards a new flute, a piccolo and audition fees.
As well as financial awards, over the last seven years we’ve been able to support Diego with inspiring musical opportunities which he otherwise wouldn’t have been able to access. By performing at Young Sounds concerts, Diego developed his confidence as a flute player and inspired other young musicians. After performing at a fundraising concert in Oxford earlier this year, Diego said:
“It was great to see the audience enjoyed our performance and definitely boosted my confidence when the many guests praised my performance.”
He also enjoyed taking part in our peer mentoring programme, Talent to Talent, and participating in exciting workshops where he received support from a number of professional musicians:
“Performing side-by-side with the BBC Symphony Orchestra at Maida Vale studios was my most memorable moment with Young Sounds. I got to meet Daniel Pailthorpe, the principal flautist, and funnily enough he was the first ever flautist I went to watch at a concert. It felt surreal to have the privilege to be right next to him and perform! I also got to meet Jess Gilliam in a masterclass which was very inspiring, as she’s one of my biggest idols.”
Diego with Daniel Pailthorpe at the BBC Side-by-Side day with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and with Jess Gillam MBE in 2019.
Now 18 years old, Diego is studying on a scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music and aspires to become a professional orchestral flute player. He also hopes to help other young flautists through teaching:
“I really enjoy teaching, and I think later on in my years I’d like to do something with music therapy. I think music is such a strong part of the human brain and I’d love to do anything to help.”
“If I didn’t receive support and opportunities from Young Sounds, I wouldn’t have had the inspiration and understanding to perform to others and with them, and to really see what music really is about. It’s a never-ending story.”
It’s been a privilege to play a part in Diego’s musical journey, and we can’t wait to see what he does next!
If you believe that young musicians like Diego should be given the chance at a musical future, please show your support through the Big Give Christmas Challenge.
From 12pm on Tuesday 2 December to 12pm on Tuesday 9 December 2025, any money donated to our appeal will be doubled until we reach our target of £90,000. Let your generosity stretch twice as far this giving season. Thank you!