There are limited opportunities for young people to experience high-quality music due to a lack of funding for music in schools. Across the country, we work in areas with little or no access to classical music, collaborating with key partners to ensure high-quality music is available for people of all ages, especially for young people who would otherwise be unlikely or unable to access it. Teachers also express a lack of confidence and skill around music-making to support learning.

This storybook project will widen access and introduce children to classical music whilst developing their musical skills; empower and upskill teachers to feel more confident with music-making; and create comprehensive resources that both teachers and families can use to explore music and the story. These resources will deepen children’s engagement with the book and its theme of friendship, and strengthen the role music can play in supporting learning in other areas of the National Curriculum.