Music education is in crisis. Rather than complementing existing provision, the work of orchestras in schools is now often the only meaningful exposure to music that children in state education are receiving, and composition – our area of specialism – is one of the most vulnerable areas of all. The gap between children who have access to an enriched, fulfilling musical education, and those who do not has grown steadily, negatively impacting children’s creative development and social mobility.

Using our award-nominated Composition Challenge resources, we will deliver 21 classroom workshops for 525 children in 18 schools across England, supporting them to compose their own music. Two of the pupils' works will be selected for inclusion in our SOUND OUT schools concerts reaching 3,000 children at the Royal Festival Hall. 105 teachers will receive training, benefiting a further 2,625 children. Special digital events reaching c.20,000 will help embed a legacy of composition and creativity.