Case Studies

Music

These are a few case studies from current projects we are funding. You can read about the impact our grants are having and learn more about the types of projects we support.

richard reeves choir

Drake Music

Drake Music are leaders in music, disability and technology. Their aim is to increase participation in music-making at all levels and to break down disabling barriers using technology.

We are supporting ‘Together with Tech’. This project will provide disabled and non-disabled young people with the same music making opportunities. Using non-traditional musical instruments, it will inspire them to develop a life-long love of music-making, and open future opportunities in this field. Drake Music hopes to raise the profile of inclusive music making, challenging preconceptions of what disabled and non-disabled young people can achieve together.

'Fantastic project for young people. More local projects for mixed ability students like this would be amazing.'

Parent

'Drake Music offers creativity, musical interaction, structure and fun! This is very difficult to find for students on the autistic spectrum especially in my son's age group.'

Parent

'There are not many creative and productive activities for him that can accomodate and support his needs as well as being available for his age group.'

Parent

Mohammed

Drake Music met Mohammed through one of their music projects delivered in a Special Educational Needs school. Mohammed wanted to play the drums. So Drake Music gave him one-on-one lessons with time and space to learn at his own pace. He progressed to lessons with another student and they soon began to learn from each other. The young percussionists started working things out for themselves, growing in confidence and musicianship.

Mohammed is now involved in group music ensembles at school as well as Drake Music’s out of school music projects. He is meeting new people and his skills are improving every day.

“It was moving to watch him yesterday being so happy and engaged in what he was doing. It was wonderful for him too to work with such a creative and supportive group, thank you.” Parent

Sarah

Sarah has a statement of special educational needs and has always been interested in music. She often describes how it can affect her mood and comfort her.

Sarah has a natural gift for bass guitar. But when things get too stressful, she gives up on her lessons. She has real talent but needs a special teacher who can build an understanding relationship in an informal setting.

Sarah took part in a Drake Music summer project. She loved every minute and wanted to come back every day. Her parents noticed a big change in her behaviour and are now working with Drake Music to give Sarah even more opportunities to improve her skills.

Camden Music Trust

Children in the UK can now receive free instrumental lessons between age 8 and 9 thanks to the First Access scheme. But there is still a big hurdle for children who are living below the poverty line. What happens to talented children whose parents can’t afford for the lessons to continue? Without help, all that talent, enthusiasm and hope goes to waste.

In 2016, we awarded Camden Music Trust funding over a period of 4 years to support their full Scholarships programme. Our grant will give talented but disadvantaged children the support they need for the four years between the end of the First Access scheme and the start of a GCSE Music course at age 13 (when free instrumental lessons are available again at school).

Katerina

Instrument: violin

“Katerina is naturally musical and comes alive when she sings and plays. She lives alone with her mum but they have a difficult and volatile relationship. Mum works occasionally and we know money is very tight indeed. It would be fantastic if a Scholarship could support her natural talents.” (Headteacher)

“Katerina has always demonstrated a real enthusiasm and commitment to music. She has a great sense of rhythm and an excellent awareness of relative pitch. I believe a Scholarship would provide a life changing experience for this talented girl.” (Music teacher)

Kieran

Instrument: saxophone

“Kieran lives alone with his mum and younger sister on an estate in Somers Town. Mum works when she can as an underpaid carer. Kieran has a lot of responsibility at home and often seems “down”. He puts a lot of pressure on himself and I think it would be fantastic to support his passion for music and help keep him away from the gangs and illegal activities on his estate. ” (Headteacher)

“Kieran has a natural musical flair which accompanies a high level of commitment towards his music lessons. He practises regularly and has attended holiday brass courses which have clearly made a difference to his playing. I have no hesitation in recommending him for a Scholarship.” (Music teacher)