The National Youth Orchestra (NYO) is entering a new partnership with Young Sounds UK.
NYO members are to act as role models and mentors to young people who are part of the Young Sounds Connect programme, which helps pupils from low-income families sustain their musical learning beyond core lessons in schools, so they can keep developing their music-making.
Drawing on specialised resources and role-modelling training, NYO members will support young people on Young Sounds’ Connect programme in their regional music hub at upcoming events in Sheffield, Yorkshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
Working in partnership with the Department for Education and Arts Council England’s Music Hub network, the programme now supports nearly 1,000 young people across the country to sustain their music education.
Young Sounds Programme Director Neil Phillips, who recently attended an NYO Residency, said: ‘We’re delighted to partner with NYO on this exciting project. Role modelling and mentoring are central to both organisations’ approaches and this is a chance to share good practice and learn from each other, while also providing new experiences for the young musicians from Young Sounds and NYO.’
Rachel Long, Head of NYO Inspire, added: ‘We're so excited to partner with Young Sounds on this mentoring programme. This partnership gives our musicians another chance to make a tangible difference and to be the kind of musical role models they may have once needed themselves.’
An NYO viola player called Erin (16), who acted as a mentor, commented: ‘I attended one of these music-making events in Liverpool. I got so much out of acting as a role model for other young musicians. I enjoyed setting an example of where learning and playing a musical instrument can take you and the opportunities that music can bring. I hope I inspired them to take music forward in some way in their lives.’
This project is part of the Department for Educations Music Opportunities Pilot, a government scheme to help pupils from low-income families or with special educational learning needs and support them in advancing their talents.
