Champions for Children 2023 – Meet Cualli

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This week we’re teaming up with Lewisham Music to raise money for our Furthering Talent programme.

Furthering Talent helps musicians from the earliest stage in their musical journey. The programme is specifically designed to help young people from low income families sustain their musical learning after initial state-funded whole-class lessons end, so they can keep on progressing and playing music into their teens and beyond.

We’re currently supporting 30 young people in Lewisham, like Cualli.

“Furthering Talent has helped me by supporting and teaching me new things about music that I didn’t think .” 

11 year old Cualli plays the cornet and joined Furthering Talent after his teacher spotted how he played his instrument with such joy and excitement.

He told us what he finds so special about playing music: 

“Music is a way to express and feel. I feel passionate about music because of the joy that comes with playing, like achievements like learning a hard note. It’s just one big chance to learn!”

Through Furthering Talent, Cualli had a bursary, helping him buy things like a new case for his cornet.  It’s such a simple and practical item, but greatly helps his music making. As he says:

“I’m really happy that I have an easier way to carry around my music.” 

Cualli has also been a regular at our termly Get Togethers, where young musicians come together for a musical day. From taking part in South London Samba drumming workshops, to watching The Multi-Story Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall, Cualli always stands out for his enthusiasm and confidence!  He told us what he enjoys about these days:

“I enjoy Get Togethers when I meet other people that play instruments too. It’s always fun!”

We want to keep supporting young musicians like Cualli so they can reach their musical potential.

You can help by donating to our Champions for Children appeal today!

We’re raising £36,000 to support 30 children in Lewisham so they can receive tailored musical support including free weekly instrumental lessons. The Childhood Trust have generously backed our project, along with many of our kind supporters.

This means that any donations, up to a total of £18,000, made between now and midday on Tuesday 20 June will be doubled!

Thank you!