Inspiring Music and Young Sounds celebrate one year of transforming music education in Central Bedfordshire
Pupils, teachers and special guests came together at Sandy Secondary School mid-October to celebrate one year of the Young Sounds Connect programme in Central Bedfordshire.
The event marked a milestone in the partnership between Inspiring Music, Central Bedfordshire Council’s music service, and Young Sounds UK, a national charity working to widen access to music education.
Around 35 pupils took part in the celebration, enjoying a turntablism workshop, meeting other young musicians and sharing a celebratory lunch.
Since joining the Department for Education’s Music Opportunities Pilot in 2024, Inspiring Music has supported 60 children identified for their musical potential to take part in the Connect programme. Each participant receives free instrumental lessons, instrument hire, mentoring, a bursary and access to their local music centre.
Central Bedfordshire is one of the key pilot areas for a national Young Sounds UK rollout.
Charlotte Payne, Head of Inspiring Music, said:
“This partnership is helping us reach young people who might not otherwise have the chance to explore their musical potential. Seeing their confidence and creativity grow over the past year has been inspiring – and we’re excited to build on that success in the years ahead.”
Neil Phillips, Connect Programme Director for Young Sounds, added:
“Our partnership with Inspiring Music has gone from strength to strength, which really shows in the fantastic musical progress the young people are making. The pilot will run for four years, and the learning we take from it will be shared across the whole music education sector.”
As the partnership moves into its second year, Inspiring Music and Young Sounds will continue to open up new opportunities for young people - ensuring that every child in Central Bedfordshire can find their voice through music.
