Music education charity Awards for Young Musicians has changed its name to Young Sounds UK.
For more than 25 years, the charity has identified young musical talent which due to financial barriers might have otherwise gone undeveloped.
Under its new name, Young Sounds UK will continue the charity’s work with young people across an increasingly diverse range of musical genres.
The charity said applications for help from young people have increased threefold over the past five years.
Hester Cockcroft, chief executive of the charity, said: “After 25 years of tackling the obstacles faced by young musicians and those working with them, we’re changing our name to Young Sounds UK.
“It encapsulates the scope of our work and will further increase our reach to the young people we’re here for.
“Meeting their needs and supporting their musical ambitions will continue to be central to everything we do.”
Arts Council funding
Young Sounds UK recorded an income of £1.35m in 2022, including £38,822 from three government grants, while its expenditure was £1.40m.
The charity is a member of Arts Council England’s national portfolio for 2023-2026 and one of its eight national youth music organisations.
Hannah Fouracre, director of music education at Arts Council England, said: “For over two decades, Awards for Young Musicians has endeavoured to make music more accessible to children and young people from all walks of life.
“Their commitment to removing barriers for low-income families and nurturing new talent is worth pausing to celebrate.”
Some of the charity’s initiatives include providing financial awards of between £100 and £2,000, a leading instrumental tuition programme, and giving students and teachers access to an online, personalised learning tool.
Since inception, the charity has worked with more than 5,000 beneficiaries. Alumni of its programmes include BBC Radio 3’s Jess Gillam and Deschanel Gordon, winner of BBC Young Jazz Musician 2020.
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