We’re delighted that SoundStorm has renewed its partnership with Young Sounds UK as part of their Connect programme. We’re also delighted to welcome back Michael Armstrong to the team as our new ‘Connector’.
Last April, Awards for Young Musicians became Young Sounds UK: formerly known as Furthering Talent, its rebranded and expanded Connect programme now incorporates 10 new ‘Connector’ Hubs, including SoundStorm’s. Bringing an additional layer of resource to the Hub, the role of the Connector will have a focus on inclusion offering information, advice, guidance and signposting to local, regional and national musical opportunities.
Making connections across BCP and beyond
The Connect programme aims to effect sector-wide change in approaches to identifying and supporting the musical learning of young people living in challenging circumstances, giving them greater agency in their music-making. With a focus on overcoming barriers, the local BCP Connector, will work with individual students, their parents or carers, schools and local musicians to forge connections. From signposting to ensemble opportunities and community based projects to supporting national applications or accessing funding, a ‘connection’ is whatever is needed to support the next step in a musical journey. The role will also support the Hub expand its inclusion work by helping identify cold spots in local provision and by gathering important information on what barriers are preventing progression.
Making a referral
If you know of a young person, up to the age of 18, who is looking for support to take their next step, click on the button below to complete a short referral form – we’ll need this information to offer the best service. Michael Armstrong, the local BCP Connector, will then get in touch to arrange a chat be that online, on the phone or in person. Michael is working part time as our ‘Connector’ so please be patient if you don’t hear back immediately.
Making a new Connection
We’re also keen to hear from our existing network about new projects and opportunities for young musicians. If you’d like to register your offer with us, or perhaps you’d like to refer a colleague or practitioner who is new to area, you can tell us about it by clicking the button below
Young Sounds UK: Thrive
Young Sounds UK grants a total of around £100,000 a year in means-tested Awards to individual young people, open to young musicians who demonstrate exceptional musical potential in their chosen genre or medium and who are in financial need. Alongside flexible funding for musical costs, Young Sounds provides individual support including workshops, mentoring, careers advice and much more. However the funding is not suitable for beginners. For eligibility criteria and details on how to apply visit www.youngsounds.org.uk/thrive
Under the Connect programme, the Hub has also ring-fenced a discrete budget to support local learners as part of the Access Fund which you can read about HERE. If you know someone who you think would benefit from support to submit an application complete the Referral form above, making clear your interest in THRIVE or ACCESS.
