Since the introduction of the EBacc in 2010, music & the creative arts have become increasingly marginalised in school curricula around the UK. With creative opportunities for young people in retreat, we launched Sound Out in 2017 with a particular focus on composition: an area where teachers often report feeling under-confident. As a result of Covid-19, access to musical learning has been restricted yet further, with our Music Hub partners reporting a significant reduction in pupil engagement.

We believe fundamentally that every young person – regardless of background or experience – should have the opportunity to access high-quality musical opportunities, explore their creativity and compose their own music. This year, through “Composition Challenges”, the London Sinfonietta will support 10 classes (c.300 pupils) with in-school and online composition workshops and coaching, re-engaging young people in London and throughout the UK with original music creation and live performance.