Regular music-making has a long-term positive impact on children's self-esteem, social skills and academic attainment, yet children from communities characterised by socio-economic disadvantage face real barriers to accessing culture. This leads to low engagement in the arts in adulthood and to low diversity in performers, audiences and the creative workshop. Often a child's only chance to participate in arts activity is in school, so ensuring access to high-quality experiences is imperative.

Opera North provides first access music and instrumental tuition to children in seven schools in West Yorkshire through our In Harmony programme. In Harmony gives pupils access to the social, educational and wellbeing benefits of arts participation and fosters a long-lasting curiosity for music. Participation in high-quality music education also raises the aspiration of pupils, boosts key skills such as perseverance and teamwork, and provides a powerful tool for self-expression and creativity.