The Big Give – Nathan’s story

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16 year old Nathan-Asher was first supported by Young Sounds in 2016. A percussionist and drummer, Nathan-Asher also plays the saxophone, guitar and piano. He’s grown a lot since his first Award, and his talent and love of music has grown too! 

This year, Nathan-Asher applied to our Thrive programme for support towards a National Youth Percussion Orchestra (NYPO) course to help him stretch his percussion skills. He explains why the financial support of the Award was so important: 

“The Award made it possible for me to take part in the NYPO this summer. I couldn’t go last year due to not having the funds to attend. As this course is solely percussion, it was a great experience to challenge me and expand my knowledge and skills.” 

As well as financial help, Thrive has given Nathan-Asher lots of learning experiences this year. He took part in our Industry and Artistry Awards Day at Confetti Institute in Nottingham – working with other Thrive instrumentalists and songwriters to create a demo track in response to a real brief, and hearing from industry professionals during a lunchtime Q & A. Here’s what he learnt from the day: 

“The event was really fun. It was very interactive, everyone had opportunities, and the Q & A was really interesting. I enjoyed seeing how much can spring from a brief and I learnt not to scrap an idea but save it and come back to it.” 

In 2016, when eight years old, Nathan-Asher took part in our first Awards Day with the BBC Symphony Orchestra (BBCSO). In October this year he returned to Maida Vale to rehearse side by side with a BBCSO musician as part of an orchestra of professional and Thrive musicians working together to deliver a fantastic performance with only a few hours rehearsal!: 

“It was really beneficial being able to sit with an experienced professional because he taught us good tips and things we could take away from the day.” 

Thinking ahead to a career in music, Nathan-Asher also took part this autumn in a work experience placement, spending a week at Harrison Parrott, an international classical music management company. He learnt about how artists are managed across Harrison Parrotts’ departments, and the wider skills – such as finance and marketing – needed within the music industry. Nathan-Asher told us: 

“Working the week in Harrison Parrott’s was great fun and really enlightening. Seeing the amount of work that goes into being and managing a professional musician was astounding, and it was a privilege to be able to work with a member of each department, who were very welcoming and supportive.” 

We’re thrilled Nathan-Asher has progressed his percussion this year and taken big steps towards a future in music. He’s achieved his GCSE in music and he’s now studying for A-Level, and we’re excited to see what happens next!  

We can’t support talented young people like Nathan-Asher without your help. Please donate to our Big Give Christmas Challenge to help us reach more young musicians like him, and give them a musical future. Thank you!