Hi, I’m Chris (he/him), the Connector for North-West Midlands. I started playing the cornet by chance at the age of eight and have played in many ensemble settings.  Music has enabled me to meet and work with some amazing people, travel to parts of the world I would not have otherwise seen and most importantly, I have made many lasting friendships.  I started my career as a primary school teacher and have been with Entrust Music Services since 2002. 

From “having a go” on brass instruments at my after-school child minders (to keep me out of mischief), I have forged a career out of music.  Not being terribly academic, music has always been the one thing I could showcase and enjoy with other people.  I would like young people today to have as many opportunities as I had when I first started making music.  Working as a music teacher, I hope to be a catalyst for some of those opportunities for young students.

Favourite food: Toad-in-the-hole with lashings of gravy.
Interests: Travelling the world and long walks with my dogs.
Favourite Album: The Cardigans - Gran Turismo

Hi, I'm Helen (she/her) and I am the Young Sounds Connector for Bradford. I look after 100 young people in Bradford who have gained a place on the Connect programme in our area and ensure that they have access to all the things they need to thrive as young musicians. This could be organising music lessons, planning workshops where they can get together with others to share and create music, inspiring their teachers through termly teacher forums or breaking down the barriers that some of them may face during their musical journey.

Improving young people’s life chances through a high-quality music education is what drives me in all the work I do. Music has made me the person who I am today and helped me with resilience, creativity and confidence. It has also brought so much joy to my life which I endeavour to pass on to all the young people that I work with.

Favourite food: Cake! (Baking and eating)
Hobbies/interests (outside of music): Climbing mountains, currently making my way through the Wainwrights
Favourite artist: Too hard to have just one – Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman, Nina Simone – Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis (for the brass player in me!)

Hi, I’m Rachel Greene (she/her) and I’m the Connector for Sheffield.

In my role, I oversee the Connect programme in Sheffield, working closely with our mentor Rory and the wonderful team of teachers involved in delivering the programme. It’s a real privilege to provide additional support to young musicians who need it most. Every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to a high-quality music education.

Alongside this, as a flute teacher at Sheffield Music Hub, I’ve had the opportunity to work in many fantastic schools across the city and to meet a wide range of talented young musicians. Sadly, many of these children face barriers when it comes to taking the next steps in their musical journey. Through my work with Young Sounds, I’m able to help remove some of these barriers and offer the extra support they need to continue developing their musical potential.

Favourite artist/album: I can never answer this question! It changes on a daily basis!
Favourite food: Has to be a Sunday dinner!
Interests outside of music: Reading and watching sports (mostly cricket, football and ice hockey)

Hello! I’m Kelly (she/her) and I’m the Young Sounds UK Connector for the City of Manchester.

As Young Sounds Connector, I support young musicians to navigate and access musical opportunities by working closely with their families, schools, and partner organisations. Building strong relationships with Young Sounds Connect pupils and their families - and seeing the impact the Young Sounds programme makes - is a particular highlight of my work as One Education Music’s Activities and Participation Service Lead where I oversee the strategic development of Manchester’s Music Centres. The team and I are passionate about championing every child, and strive to deliver a wide range of inclusive and inspiring musical activities reflecting the communities we serve.

Music has shaped my life since growing up in Belgium, where I was lucky enough to be championed by teachers and offered opportunities that opened doors for me. Training as a violist and performing as a freelancer with various chamber orchestras across Europe, while living in different countries and studying languages, has strengthened my belief in the power of music, creativity, and the importance of access, diversity and opportunity.

That’s why I’m passionate about breaking down barriers, supporting families and creating spaces and musical experiences where young musicians feel welcome, valued and excited for what comes next.

Last song played on my playlist: Welcome To The Jungle (Guns n Roses)
1^st memory of classical music experience: Mozart’s Et incarnatus est, the dialogue between the vocalist and the oboist, to this day, it stops me in my step.
My favourite hobby: crocheting

Hi, My name is Stuart Hazelton. I am the joint Connecter for Greater Manchester and Assistant Head at Bolton Music Service. I am fortunate to have been involved with Young Sounds for around 8 years, initially facilitating musical support for 30 young people, which has grown to 150 across the region.

Having benefitted from financial and practical support in my development as a young musician at school in the 1980s, I value greatly the opportunities offered by Young Sounds. Over my time with Young Sounds, we have given opportunities for over 200 young people to gain musical experiences, many of which have had a positive effect on their life, inside and out of music. Inclusivity is at the heart of my approach and ethos, a value which is underpinned by Young Sounds.

I remain an active musician, teaching, performing and directing in a range of genres and places. Artists with whom I have worked include Nicola Benedetti, Judith Weir and Chas ‘n Dave! I have a real passion for contemporary classical music, having worked with many living composers, and bringing this to a wider audience, broadening minds and attitudes.

Fun Fact: I play and coach for the England indoor cricket teams, including a recent tour to India.
Favourite Artists: Radiohead, Itzhak Perlman, Alfred Schnittke, Stephen Montague (eclectic, I know, but that’s the life of a musician!)
Favourite Places: On a stage with an ensemble of young musicians, and any cricket ground at the height of summer.

Hello, I’m Rachel (she/her) and I am the local Connector for Worcestershire. My favourite part about being a Connector is building relationships with the families on our Connect programme and seeing young people progress and grow in confidence as they get older. I feel so proud to play a small part in helping the children on the Connect programme and beyond with their musical journeys.

I was born into a musical family. My mother was a primary music coordinator, peripatetic vocal teacher and vocal soloist, and my father was quite famous on the amateur theatre circuit back in the day! I followed in my parents’ footsteps; studying music at university and am now a singing teacher and director of youth theatre in addition to my Connector role.

Favourite musical: West Side Story
Best concert I’ve ever been to: Elton John
Favourite thing to do (outside of music): Walk round St Ives, Cornwall with my family

I'm Emma (she/her), a Young Sounds Connector, and my role is all about helping young people and their families across Sunderland to find the musical opportunities that are right for them.

I spend a lot of time talking with teachers, schools, and organisations so I know what is happening across the city and can make sure our young musicians are fully supported.

My background as a music teacher, leader of our youth and community orchestra and cello player really shapes how I work. I hope it helps me to know what young musicians need to grow, feel confident, and enjoy making music.

This job appealed to me because it allows me to help continue to make Sunderland a place where music opportunity is widely available and shouted about, giving parents, schools and young people and central place to find out more about music. Music should be a right for everyone, not just a chance. I was lucky in my music making because found a brilliant teacher by chance; It is why I love to help people access the music opportunities I was lucky to come across.

Favourite artist: Bach -cello suites and I love Taylor Swift!
Favourite food: Pizza and Pasta! I can’t choose!
Favourite thing to do (outside of music): Reading, traveling, cooking for friends and family and trying to do something outside of my comfort zone like a quick dip in the freezing North East Sea!

Hello, I’m Tom (he/him) and I’m a professional singer, conductor, and arts consultant based on the Suffolk/Norfolk border. I grew up in a rural part of East Anglia in a thoroughly unmusical family. By the age of 21 was performing at Carnegie Hall in New York. That all happened because someone told me to give it a go. Aged 8 I gained a place in the choir at St. Paul’s Cathedral, I then got a music scholarship to a great secondary school, and joined the National Youth Choir. With them I toured the world – including singing to the King of Samoa in a pig shed – and then read Music at the University of York. From there I gained a place in Gramophone Music Magazine’s ‘World’s Best Choir’ The Monteverdi Choir and with them I sang at a number of cool events such as at the Nobel Prize Ceremony, at Buckingham Palace, and as a soloist in the BBC Proms.

Why: Someone gave me a chance. No-one could have known that at the age of 8 I would go on to do all these cool things, but that’s the great joy of being a musician. Whether as a professional, or as a life-long lover of it all, it opens doors. It makes individuals, and also society, richer. I am passionate about helping young people achieve their goals – even if they don’t know what they are just yet!

Favourite Artists: I love people who speak their truth. If their music means something to them that comes across to the audience with great sincerity. So that might be Stormzy, Raye, Ed Sheeran, Benjamin Britten, Nina Simone, Stacey Kent, or J S Bach. If music comes from the heart – wow.

Favourite TV Show: The Traitors. Each episode is a mini opera – backstabbing, deception, empathy. It’s Wagner for the 21st Century! By the way, how good is the music in that show. What a cool job it would be to be the person who chooses which tracks to use!

Best Concert: I once saw Stevie Wonder in Hyde Park in the height of summer. The ground was parched and I was in flip flops. Dancing, singing, smiling, I still remember the tan/dust lines on my feet at the end of the day. It was a full body experience.

Hi, I'm Emma (she/her) and I’m the Local Connector for Inspiring Music who are the Music Service for Central Bedfordshire and part of the BLMK Music Hub.

In my role as a Local Connector for the Young Sounds UK, I recruit and support the young people on the Young Sounds UK Connect programme. This is a varied role and involves working with our Local Mentor to help the pupils on the programme work towards their goals on their instruments, I also plan and deliver get-togethers, co-ordinate the programme communicating with schools, instrumental teachers, parents and pupils and anything else that arises as part of the programme! Alongside this I also advise and support those people looking for musical opportunities in the area and make links in the local community.

I grew up in Central Bedfordshire where I learned to play recorder, clarinet, saxophone and piano before studying music at The University of Huddersfield gaining a BMus (hons) and then moving on to gain a PGCE (QTS) in Secondary Music. Subsequently, I held roles as Head of Music at schools across Central Bedfordshire for 15 years before moving to Inspiring Music where alongside the role of Local Connector for the Young Sounds UK Connect programme, I also delivers whole class instrumental lessons on a variety of instruments and am Head of Ampthill Music Centre.

I am passionate about enabling children and young people to have the musical opportunities that I feel fortunate enough to have had myself and am also actively involved in local community music making.

Favourite animal: Rabbits – I have four who all live inside!
Favourite food: It’s got to be chocolate!
Favourite thing to do (outside of music): Crafting – I’ll give most things a go and have even taught silversmithing in the past!

Hi, I’m Michael (he/him) and I’m the Young Sounds UK Connector for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

I work across the area to forge pathways and connections that support young people to pursue their love of music, helping them overcome all sorts of barriers. I managed the local Music Hub SoundStorm for 7 years, so I’m well connected across the area. In 2021, I took the plunge and went freelance, and have worked with many organisations, producing events, managing projects and supporting charities with fundraising. In 2025, I was given the opportunity to produce an event at the Royal Albert Hall, platforming over 1200 young musicians.

Music has always been central to my life: from playing my Dad’s records to buying my own, DJ’ing in the noughties and managing bands whilst experiencing the thrill of live events, before finally learning to play piano in my late 40’s. I’ve seen the transformative power of music firsthand and am passionate about encouraging others to experience it.

Favourite album: Hannah Cohen Earthstar Mountain
Favourite food: Sushi (I’m a dab hand at making it!)
Fun fact: I own over 2000 records (not so fun when you move house!)

Hey there, I’m Arjun (he/him) and I'm the Young Sounds UK Connector for Coventry Music. My role is all about connecting people and helping make music feel accessible across the young people of Coventry. I work within various schools and projects across the city to help develop opportunities for young people to take part in music, teach instrumental lessons, and work closely with partners around the UK. Part of my role also involves supporting young people to better understand and access potential career pathways into the arts, and to help them see it as a viable option.

Music gave me a lifeline in my younger school years, and I'm passionate about making it viable to other young people in the same way. Participation in the arts has historically been a fantastic way for different groups of people to come under one banner and I'm proud to be a part of creating the bridges for the next generation of musicians.

Interests outside of music: cooking, travelling, watching anime.
Favourite food: Different curries from around the world.
Fun fact about me: I've just started learning to play the oboe!

Hi, I’m Ross (he/him) and I work as a Lead Teacher at Hertfordshire music service. In my role I spend most of my time teaching guitar to primary and secondary school students. I also manage 11 different music teachers and help with their admin and queries.

I also work as a connector for Young Sounds where I help connect students to musical opportunities within Hertfordshire.

Exploring my journey through music has been something I have 0 regrets for. It’s something that I feel so positive and passionate about, I believe everyone should have the right to explore this. My passion to share knowledge of music, performing and recording is something that I bring in to all of my teaching and it gives me a great sense of purpose. Working in my role for Young Sounds helps me to bring that enthusiasm to people all over the county and hopefully show the great things you can do with music.

Favourite album: Blonde, Frank Ocean
Favourite film: Mullholland Drive
Best concert you’ve ever been to: SAULT at Drumsheds

Hi, I'm Hannah (she/her) and I'm a Connector for Young Sounds UK and Devon Music Education Hub.

In my role, I signpost young people to musical opportunities in Devon and provide advice about funding support that may be available to help them progress in their musical journeys. I work part-time as a Secondary Music Teacher and enjoy making my students laugh (usually at my terrible singing!). I run a Music Centre where young people aged 8-18 can learn to play an instrument at a low cost and join an orchestra/rock band, and I co-direct Devon Youth Choir.

I feel very lucky that I had the opportunity to learn violin and piano when I was younger and play in lots of different groups, where I made most of my friends and found my true passion for music. I went on to study Jazz and Contemporary Music at Leeds Conservatoire and have enjoyed working as a professional musician and meeting lots of fantastic musicians. I believe that every young person should have the opportunity to progress their musical talent and experiences, no matter what their background or where they live. The values shared by Young Sounds really resonate with me and I’m delighted to be a part of their work in Devon.

Favourite album: Little Voice by Sara Bareilles
Favourite food: Moules Frites (yum!)
Favourite thing to do (outside of music): Read a murder mystery

Hello, I’m Anna (she/her), the Young Sounds UK Connector for the vibrant and leafy London Borough of Waltham Forest and a Participation and Learning Mentor with Waltham Forest Music Service.

My work is dynamic and wide‑ranging: one week I may be supporting teachers to embed music meaningfully within their school curriculum, and the next I am collaborating with 700 primary school children to stage a full-scale opera in a local theatre.

I am deeply committed to inclusive music education and to ensuring that musical opportunities are accessible to ALL children, young people, and their families. I am passionate about live music and strive to bring high‑quality, engaging musical experiences into community spaces as often as possible. Living in London provides a rich backdrop for this work, offering everything from intimate performances on a double‑decker bus to world‑class concerts at the Royal Albert Hall!

Although I am not a traditionally trained musician, my professional background brings a distinctive perspective to my practice. I am a qualified Barrister with a specialist interest in forensic psychiatric mental health, as well as a qualified Primary School Teacher. I have been involved in music from an early age, playing piano and violin and singing with the Saint Cecilia Guild Choir, performing across the UK and internationally in renowned churches and cathedrals.

I currently support a choir for new parents experiencing mental health crisis and postnatal depression, and I assist with a singing group for people living with dementia and their carers. This work allows me to engage with individuals at both ends of life’s spectrum, using music as a tool for connection, wellbeing, and community.

Favourite artist: Leonard Cohen
Favourite instrument: I have just started learning the Saxophone which I love!
Favourite place to perform: Westminster Abbey – the Song School has a resident ghost!

Hi, I’m Rachael (she/her) and I’m one of two Connectors for Young Sounds UK at Lewisham Music, based in south east London. Alongside this, I also work as Community Programmes Coordinator, where I support inclusive, youth-focused music programmes across the borough. As a Connector, I help co-ordinate the Young Sounds Connect Programme in Lewisham, supporting young people through access to lessons, bursaries and shared musical experiences. My background spans songwriting, gigging and hosting events across London’s music scene, as well as working as an Event Coordinator at ICMP, where I supported opportunities for emerging musicians and worked with artists including Snarky Puppy.

Music education has always been central to my work. After completing my PGCE, I spent several years teaching in primary schools across London, often with a guitar or ukulele in hand. I’m passionate about creating welcoming, accessible routes into music for young people from all backgrounds. Alongside my education work, I run my own artist project, Rae Travers. As a Help Musicians Awardee myself, I’ve seen first-hand how access, encouragement and support can be genuinely life-changing and that’s why I’m proud to be part of Connect.

Favourite Artist/Album: Katie Pruitt – Expectations
Best concert I’ve ever been to: Boy Genius supported by Muna and Ethel Cain at Gunnersbury Park
Favourite TV show: Modern Family

Hi, I'm Jennifer Isaacs (she/her) and I lead the Musica Kirklees Young Sounds project—one of my absolute favourite parts of working in music education. I’m passionate about creating spaces where young musicians can grow in confidence, explore new things, and discover just how exciting making music together can be.

Whether I’m running rehearsals, planning Get Togethers, organising trips, or helping pupils try something completely new, I love watching them develop their creativity and find their own musical voice. Seeing a group of young people come together—sometimes meeting for the first time—and turn ideas into real music is still one of the best parts of my job.

I believe that music should be welcoming, fun, and accessible to everyone; something that is shared with Young Sounds.

Favourite Album: Right now, it has to be CMAT – Euro Country
Favourite Food: My Spag Bol – not anyone else’s, just mine!
Hobbies: Gardening, cooking and board games with my family

I’m Emily (she/her) and I’m the Connector for Greater Manchester alongside Stuart Hazelton. My role is to manage the Connect programme across Greater Manchester, looking after all the young people, families, and schools who are part of the programme. A particular highlight is organising our Get Together events where we bring together all our young people for a musical experience each term. Alongside this, our role is also to connect other young people with musical opportunities across the Hub and find opportunities and other ways to support young people with their musical journeys.

I love my role at Young Sounds as I can see, every day, the amazing impact that music has on young people. It is a joy to be part of the musical journeys of our students and watch them grow in confidence and develop a passion for music through the experiences we are able to offer them. As a child, the opportunities I was given through my local music service inspired me to go on to study music, so I know first-hand what an impact a music service can have on a young person’s life.

Favourite artist: Mumford and Sons
Favourite food: Smoked salmon!
Favourite TV show: Emily in Paris (love a bit of easy watching!)

Hi, I’m Lucy (she/her) and I am the Young Sounds Connector for Lincolnshire. My role focuses on creating inclusive musical opportunities for young people, ensuring access to high quality music provision regardless of prior experience or ability.

Although I have been with Young Sounds UK for just over a year, I have already supported schools in developing and strengthening music provision within their own settings. This has included delivering assemblies and workshops, running whole class musical projects, including opportunities involving musicians from the National Youth Orchestra, building relationships with music ensembles across the county, and supporting individual young people to access wider musical opportunities. There are many more ideas and experiences still to come!

I attended an independent boarding school where I was fortunate to be given a wide range of enriching musical opportunities. After leaving school, I became increasingly aware of how privileged that experience was, and it strongly shaped my belief that every young person should have the opportunity to engage with music and benefit from the kinds of experiences I was lucky enough to enjoy.

Current favourite album: Let Them Talk by Hugh Laurie
Favourite food: I’m from Yorkshire, so a roast dinner all the way!
Favourite thing to do outside of music: Botanical casting and sewing.

Hi! I’m Anna (she/her) and I’m the Connector for Young Sounds UK in Stoke-on-Trent.

I love my role as a Connector for Young Sounds UK as it’s so rewarding to get to know the children and their families, build strong relationships and help create a supportive community. I also love organising fun Get Togethers where everyone can connect and meet other musicians, and it’s especially inspiring to hear about the children’s progress on their musical journeys and see their confidence continuing to grow throughout their time on the programme.

I think that it is incredible that children who may not have had the chance to partake in music lessons can be given the opportunity to because of Young Sounds and I am so privileged to be part of making that happen.

Fun fact: I’m a professional recorder player!
Hobby: Shopping at charity shops!
Favourite food: Pie and chips!

Hi, I’m Ashleigh (she/her) and I’m the Young Sounds UK Connector for North Tyneside Music, up in the North East.

I’m a vocalist and community musician and I’ve worked across schools, early years settings, community spaces, youth projects, hospitals and hospices, and live performance projects. My role is all about connecting young people, families, educators and organisations with music opportunities in the area, and helping make sure those opportunities are inclusive, high quality and easy to access. As well as being a performer myself, I work closely with schools, music services, charities, arts organisations and local partners to support collaboration, strengthen music provision and help create opportunities that build confidence, creativity and a lasting relationship with music, especially for children and young people who might otherwise miss out.

Music has always been a big part of my life. Growing up, it gave me confidence, a sense of belonging and a way to express myself, and that’s something I want every young person to have access to. Through my work as a Community Musician and Vocalist, I’ve seen how powerful music can be, not just creatively, but in supporting wellbeing, connection and self-belief. I’m so passionate about breaking down barriers to participation and making music feel welcoming, relevant and fun, rather than something that might feel out of reach. Being a Connector allows me to bring people together, amplify what’s already happening locally and help open up new opportunities, so more young people can find their own voice through music.

Favourite artist/band: Stevie Nicks/Fleetwood Mac
Favourite food: crumpets
Favourite thing to do (outside of music): walks with my dog! He’s an all-white fluffy Tibetan Terrier called Toby.

I’m Anna (she/her), the Connector for Southampton as part of SIOW Music, covering for Frankie McCormick while she’s on maternity leave.

My role involves liaising with teachers and families involved in the programme, organising Get Togethers and signposting others in Southampton to musical opportunities that they can get involved in. I work closely with our mentor who has made her own links with the students on the programme.

I’m an experienced Primary Music Curriculum teacher with many years of working in challenging schools, nurturing musical talent and bringing pupils together to make music and to perform to others. I believe that every child is a musician and that music should be for everyone, whatever barriers need to be overcome. Seeing young people being proud of themselves when they try something that they didn’t know they could do, and the buzz they get when connecting with others through music – that’s the reason I do what I do.

Favourite TV shows: Scandi noir
Favourite food: cheese
Fun fact: I’m an Archers addict (never admitted that one in public before)!