Introducing our new Chair of Trustees, Anthony Hamer-Hodges

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We are excited to announce Anthony Hamer-Hodges as our new Chair of Trustees at Young Sounds UK.

A senior leader in music and education, Anthony has extensive experience across higher education, talent development, and music industry advocacy. As the new Chair of Young Sounds, he brings a commitment to ensuring that the next generation of musicians, particularly those facing the most challenges can access the skills, networks, and opportunities they need to thrive.

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About Anthony Hamer-Hodges

Anthony Hamer-Hodges is a senior leader in music and education, with extensive experience across higher education, talent development, and music industry advocacy. Most recently he served as Principal and CEO of the London College of Contemporary Music (LCCM), leading the institution through a four-year period of significant growth and innovation. His career also spans artist management, record labels, and music tech ventures, giving him deep insight into the challenges and opportunities facing young musicians today.

Anthony is a regular media commentator on music industry issues and founder of Practice Makes Purpose, a campaign calling for more singing in secondary schools, which has been featured by the BBC. In 2025, he was awarded Principal Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy in recognition of his institutional and national impact in music education.

On his new role, Anthony says:

“Young Sounds UK has been empowering young musicians for nearly 30 years, and I’m honoured to help steer its next chapter. Together, we’ll build on that legacy, opening doors for even more young people to develop their creativity, confidence, and careers. Through my work in the music industry and education, I’ve seen what it takes for young people to succeed and the obstacles that can hold them back. At Young Sounds UK we’ll keep discovering, championing and supporting talent from low-income families, breaking down barriers so that their music can be heard.”

Anthony will take over from our long-standing Chair Philip Jones. On the news Philip says:

“Over the past 18 years it has been a privilege to lead Young Sounds UK and guide its transformation into the vibrant, ambitious charity it is today, reaching and supporting more talented young musicians than ever before. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together during my tenure and excited for what lies ahead. With Anthony’s seasoned and passionate leadership, I have every confidence that Young Sounds UK will continue to flourish and inspire the next generation of musical talent.”

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Expanding our team

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This news coincides with the expansion of our core team. This month, we increased the capacity of our flagship Thrive programme through the appointment of Jessica Burroughs as Programme Director, Charlotte Lincoln as Programme Producer and Katie King as Programme Administrator.

In addition to this, April Guasp has joined us as full-time Evaluation Director. This new role has been created with support from Purposeful Ventures and will ensure evaluation is even more embedded throughout our programmes.

More resource has also been given to operations and communications with the introduction of Sophie Ashley as Operations Assistant and Beth Harris as Marketing and Communications Assistant. On these developments Hester Cockcroft, Chief Executive says: 

“It’s an exciting time at Young Sounds, with great new colleagues joining the staff team and Anthony at the helm as our fantastic new Chair, succeeding the brilliant Philip. Together we’ll be able to do even more to support the young musicians we’re here to help.”

We look forward to continue giving musical talent a chance across the country, guided by the leadership of our new chair!