Connect in Liverpool


Connect students 16 year old Lee, 15 year old Alliah and 15 year old Ali are all studying for their GCSE in Music at Notre Dame Catholic College. Our Connector in Liverpool, Helen Duxfield, caught up with them about how Connect is helping progress their music. 


Both Lee and Alliah are learning the violin through Connect. Here’s what makes the instrument special for them: 

Lee said: 

“I like the violin because it looks posh! I enjoy how it sounds because it’s just really complex, and it’s amazing how sounds can come out of the strings. My lessons are teaching me different types of music like classical and film music”.  

Alliah said 

“The violin is just the best, it’s great. It’s elegant but hard. It sounds nice and it makes me feel better about myself that I can play. 

“I love classical music, like Swan Lake. I like playing music that I like and recognise, like ‘oh wait, this is a cool thing and I’m actually doing it well’. We’re learning Yellow Submarine now and I’m like ‘I’m actually good at this one!’ I’m having the best, best time.”

Ali is learning the clarinet and says: 

“Music is the best thing. Helen helps me with my clarinet, I can play music I like, such as Flying Home and Fever. I’m also doing exams. I have my clarinet lessons all the time because of Connect.”  


Connect has also helped Ali’s mum to support her music. She explains: 

“I struggle a little as Ali’s parent as I’m not musical at all, yet Ali needs music to be a big part of her life and future plans. I need advice and support to meet her needs. I’ve been so lucky that Ali has been able to be a part of Connect as she develops musically. I can ask questions and find out about things that I’d never thought of before. The teaching has been excellent and I’d recommend the programme to anyone with a musical child!” 

Ali, Lee and Alliah are making fantastic progress in their playing, and we’re looking forward to hearing how they get on in their GCSE Music!  


Our Connect programme helps musicians from the earliest stage in their musical journey. Formerly known as Furthering Talent, the programme is specifically designed to help young people from low income families sustain their musical learning after initial state-funded whole-class lessons end, so they can keep on progressing and playing music well into their teens and beyond.

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