New term, new musical adventures! 


We’re really pleased to welcome back the young people we’re supporting after the summer break. The beginning of the academic year signals more exciting opportunities to spot and nurture musical potential and we have a flurry of musical activities to look forward to. Over the coming months we’ll continue to provide the funding, access and support that young people need to progress their musical journeys, helping music educators, teachers and families to grow with them. We’re also changing the names of our programmes, to align with our new name, again to better reflect the breadth of our work. 

Here’s a glimpse at what to expect over the coming months.  


Discover – Formerly Identifying Musical Talent and Potential


Our acclaimed training continues to be delivered for free to music educators across England. We explore the skills they need to discover musical potential, especially in whole class or larger group settings. We’ve got a busy start to the new academic year with sessions in Norfolk, North Tyneside and Hertfordshire to name a few. We’ll also be presenting the training at Music Mark’s North West Conference.


Connect – Formerly Furthering Talent Connect


This year will be the first with our 10 new Music Hub partners, taking the overall number of Hubs to 20. They’ll focus on inclusion and access for all young people and families in their area, and beyond. We’ll also be hosting our first ever Connect Conference at Rich Mix Cinema in London this October, bringing together our Hub Leads and Connectors.

Some very important news on this programme to follow shortly.


Thrive – Formerly Awards programme


We continue to support young instrumentalists, singers, songwriters, composers and producers through crucial financial Awards, whether Robert Lewin Awards or our generously supported Named Awards. We’re now calling the musical opportunities we offer to Awards winners beyond financial support our Thrive programme. Here are some of the things happening this term:

  • A violin masterclass for advanced players with Young Sounds Patron Thomas Gould.  
  • A day of recording, songwriting and drumming workshops at Confetti Institute, Nottingham. 
  • The return of our long running chamber music project Attune, funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. 
  • Our Exchange mentoring programme, run in partnership with the BBC, which kicked off in spectacular fashion at the Royal Albert Hall recently.

Innovate – Formerly Innovation and Research


We’ll continue to bring together some of the most innovative and creative minds around, working collaboratively with our colleagues across the sector to help young people achieve their musical potential. For example, we’re bringing together our resources for teachers and young people into a brand new learning platform, welcoming new partners and advocating for student led learning through the Online Individual Learning Plan developed with Charanga.


Remember A Charity Week


This month we celebrate Remember a Charity week (9–15 September 2024). Currently 6% of people leave a gift to charity in their Will, but if this increased to 10% then it could generate another £1 billion for good causes each year. After you’ve looked after those closest to you, a gift in your Will could do amazing things for young musicians.

We’re so thankful for those who have already joined The Robert Lewin Circle by pledging to leave a gift in their Will to Young Sounds You can also help talented children continue their musical journey by leaving a legacy and passing on a musical life.


Thank you so much – as always – to everyone who works with us and everyone who supports us – we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without you. Here’s to a great musical year!

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