Will’s Story

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Young Sounds Connect pupil, Will, has found music to be a constant form of enjoyment. His drum lessons have helped him create a musical routine which has been grounding for him, helping him cope with everyday life. Through conversations and questions from his drum teacher Miriam, Will shares an insight to how the Connect programme has helped him.

What impact has having drum lessons had on you?

It’s helped me socialise; I enjoy teaching others about how the drums work. It has also made me show respect to music artists because of how difficult it can be and how much practice you need to do! Drum lessons have broadened my listening tastes, and I appreciate music much more because I know how much work is involved. Miriam has helped me to improve my mental health and made me go above and beyond my usual comfort zone by playing in concerts and going to Young Sounds Get Togethers.

What is the best thing about playing drums? 

Miriam! She is the highlight of my week. She gives me confidence to try anything with her enthusiasm and passion for music! She has been my teacher since I was very small and has been with me for the whole of my musical journey. Playing the drums also looks cool and it’s a chance to show off a skill that others don’t have! 

What makes attending Entrust Music Service Staffordshire so important to you and why do you like attending? 

Routine is very important to me. Entrust Music Service has a big community that you bond with, and you get along because you are all musicians and have similar interests. I like attending because I have fun and share new ideas with other people. Even with my autism they all accept me for me and help if I am struggling. 

Has playing the drums helped you with other subjects at school, friendships, confidence, or life in general?

I’m in top set music at school. I was awarded musician of the term recently. I’ve made lots of new friends in my music circle. Most days I’m in the practice room at school with friends that play other instruments. We have to work together to practice, and the drums have given me the confidence to take part. I’ve involved other friends in the school orchestra who wouldn’t normally get involved in music. Drums have also helped me in my horse-riding lessons as I can follow the rhythms of the horse strides. Playing the drums has given me more confidence to try new things like performing onstage. 

Alongside music lessons and a personal bursary, the Connect programme offers its pupils a range of opportunities through regular Get Togethers. One of these Get Togethers saw Will attending Birmingham Symphony Hall to watch Alumna Patron Jess Gillam perform with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. As a part of this experience, he visited backstage and got to listen to a solo performance from Jess. 

Travelling to Symphony Hall by train and staying for the entire performance was a challenge for Will. Despite this being “out of his comfort zone” Will was able to persevere. 

“If I wasn’t in Young Sounds, I don’t think I would get an opportunity like this.”

Now, Will hopes to play in a band or orchestra in the future and possibly teach music as well!

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Our Connect programme is specifically designed to help young people from low-income families sustain their musical learning, so they can keep on progressing and playing music well into their teens and beyond.