WHO'S BEHIND MUSIC LEADERS UK?
For the past 20 years we’ve been helping all young people use music to transform their lives through our parent organisation, The Music Works. We’re a charity based in Gloucestershire but delivering nationally.
We’re young people led, and we focus on breaking down barriers so that all young people can thrive through making the music they want to make.
We work in mainstream and special schools, pupil referral units and alternative provision, as well as in the community and with the music industry. We focus on young people facing barriers to access in music, learning, and life. Through our engagement and progression pathways, we’re addressing the lack of equity, diversity and inclusion in the creative sector – particularly within leadership positions.
Young people are leaders in our organisation. So we really do know our stuff when it comes to what they want and need.
WHY DID WE CREATE THESE AWARDS?
Young people love music. And research shows it’s their favourite activity (Sound of the Next Generation, Youth Music, 2020 & 2024). Yet 92% drop out of studying music in their teens – just when it can help them most. Every day, we see that when people have control over their music making and learning, it can be transformational. For most, it isn’t about becoming a professional musician. It’s about finding self-belief, connecting with others, managing their mental health, finding their creativity, and in their own way, starting to lead.
But the problem is, most stop studying it in school after Key Stage 3. They either can’t afford to access it, or they simply aren’t being celebrated for the music they love, or that they’re creating at home. The impact is far-reaching. Low uptake means schools can’t afford to offer GCSE, A-level or other music qualifications, or to employ a music specialist. Music drops down senior leaders’ priority list – when in fact, it’s a subject and a tool that can transform a school and improve performance results.
This worries us – and the young people we work with. They tell us they want to bring their passion for music into their learning, in and out of school. So we started to formulate the idea of creating our own programme of awards.
HOW DID WE CREATE THESE AWARDS?
We listened to young people about what their ideal music programme would look like. Then we brought in curriculum and music industry representatives to help us develop it. As we shaped the awards over three years, we tested them with young people in classrooms.
Finally, we launched the awards in 2024 and the response and results so far from young people and those working with them including teachers has been fantastic.