Jasdeep Singh Degun is a British multi-award-winning sitar player and composer from Leeds. In May 2022 he became artist-in-residence at Opera North and in 2024, was made the first Innovate Fellow at the Royal Northern College of Music. He also won the Royal Philharmonic Society Instrumentalist Award in 2024. 

Jasdeep first worked with Young Sounds in 2024 when he led a workshop for Thrive musicians on Indian classical approaches to improvising and creative music making, and we are delighted to welcome him as our newest Patron! 

Joy works in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), with a focus on creating more equitable systems and widening participation. Currently, she is the strategic lead for a 3-year Inclusion Action Plan for Waltham Forest, shaping culture, leadership pipelines, and strategic workforce equity. She cares deeply about opportunity, access and social mobility, and brings both lived and professional experience to this work as well as a passion for all genres of music.

“I understand the structural barriers that young people from lower-income households can face, and I’m proud to support the charity’s mission to make music education accessible to all.” 

Music has been a central part of Stephen’s life since he started learning the piano at the age of seven. After gaining music degrees at Durham, he became Senior Lay Vicar of the choir of Lincoln Cathedral and performed as an oratorio soloist before eventually becoming Head of Music and Director of Studies at a school in Suffolk. He is currently Deputy Director of the Love Music Trust, based in the North West of England.

Stephen is passionate about music education, opening opportunities to all (irrespective of background) and helping talented young musicians to achieve their maximum potential. He’s delighted to be able to use his expertise in music education and charity management to support the essential work of the Young Sounds team.

As Executive Director at Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), inclusivity, fairness, and diversity have been powerful shapers of Lawrence’s journey in a field striving for a different kind of social impact that nevertheless faces a similar set of obstacles. As an admirer of musicians, Lawrence is determined to support the discovery of musical talent, and its connection to opportunities to grow and thrive.

“Music is needed more than ever in a world that is finding it increasingly hard to find harmony. That is why I am so drawn to the ultimate impact of Young Sounds: a more diverse music and cultural sector.” 

Music has remained an important part of Ellie’s life. Although she now works as legal counsel for Bunzl, music was a huge part of her early life – she played flute and piano and had the privilege of playing in the National Youth Orchestra.

“I am motivated to give back at a time when opportunities for young people to access music and the arts are under increasing pressure. Whether or not a young person wants to pursue music professionally, music can be a powerful way to build confidence, find community and provide a vital creative space in an increasingly busy world.”