Getting the help you need

Are you aged between 5 and 17 and looking for funding for your music making?  AYM may be able to help! Have a read about our Awards programme. If we're not the right fit for you, you may still find some of the resources and information about other opportunities at the bottom of this page useful or interesting.

Annual Awards

Our Awards

Each year we invite talented young musicians aged 5-17, to apply for up to £2,000 to help with musical costs. This may include buying an instrument, paying for lessons or travel, buying equipment etc.

This is a means-tested scheme so whether you are able to eligible for funding will depend on the income of your parents/carers. More information about this can be found here.

All genres are welcomed and you do not need to have taken formal exams to apply.  This programme is for young people who have already made some significant progress in their music making though, so we're afraid we can't support the costs of starting out on an instrument.

As well as funding, we help young musicians on the programme access a range of music making opportunities, which may include workshops, performances or mentoring.

 

Other help and opportunities

As a small charity our funding is limited and we cannot directly support all the talented young musicians who ask for our help. We hope that the following information about other opportunities may be helpful to you, whether we can can help you directly, or not.

The Big Give – Bronte, Ghara and Enneko’s Story

From the Isles of Scilly to the Shetland Isles, musical potential stirs in every corner…

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Eoin Big Give

The Big Give – Eoin’s Story

16-year-old Eoin from County Down has been supported by Young Sounds UK since 2023, and along the way has found new musical passions.

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The Big Give Christmas Challenge Angus' Story

The Big Give – Angus’ Story

When he was just 6 years old, Angus started having violin lessons through Young Sounds’ Connect programme. Now, we see how he is flourishing on his musical journey.

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The Big Give Christmas Challenge Anna's Story

The Big Give – Anna’s Story

“As a parent, watching a child’s dream grow is beautiful, but watching someone believe in…

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Diego The Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025

The Big Give – Diego’s Story

Young Sounds UK first supported Diego with funding and musical opportunities when he was just 11 years old. Now, we chat to him about his future aspirations.

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Side-by-Side BBC Symphony Orchestra Day at Maida Vale Studios

Young Musicians Perform Side-by-Side with the BBC Symphony Orchestra

Delivered as part of our long-term partnership with the BBC, our Thrive young musicians were given the opportunity to play side-by-side with the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the iconic BBC Maida Vale Studios and take part in an audio production workshop.

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Burtonfields Hall 2025

An Evening at Burtonfields Hall

On Thursday 9 October 2025 we were delighted to return to Yorkshire for a special fundraising concert, featuring musical performances from some of the young musicians on our Thrive programme.

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Mentor development weekend 2025

Young Sounds UK Hosts Third Training Weekend for Mentors

Our Mentor Development Weekend in Loughborough brought together 18 of our mentors for an insightful weekend of learning and networking.

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Thrive Conducting Day

Thrive Conducting Day with Richard Farnes

Budding conductors on our Thrive programme recently took part in a day of masterclasses at the National Opera Studio in London.

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Nobody's Secret

Young Sounds Alumnus’ band, Nobody’s Secret, nominated for Best Original Track

Leicester born drummer Jake Freeman and his band Nobody’s Secret have been nominated for Best…

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Connector Stories: Sunderland

Emma Mapplebeck, our Connector in Sunderland, shares an inside view of our Connect programme and the difference it’s making for young people.

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Diana Ross invites Young Sounds musicians to UK Tour

This Summer, we were given a limited number of free tickets to see the ‘Queen of Motown’ Diana Ross live in concert as part of her highly anticipated UK tour! 

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A Stringcredible day at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

On Sunday 22 June 2025, we brought together young people on our Thrive programme for…

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10 UK Organisations Who Are Platforming Learning Disabled Young Musicians

This Learning Disabilities Week (16 – 22 June 2025), we’re shining a light on some…

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Piano masterclass with Libby Burgess

Talented pianists on our Thrive programme recently took part in a day of masterclasses with…

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Young Sounds Patron Thomas Gould leads Violin Masterclass

On Sunday 22 September, four advanced violinists supported by our Thrive programme came together at…

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“I don’t envisage a time in my life when I will stop playing violin, and I plan on making music a part of my career.” 

Music has always been 15 year old Maisie’s core passion.   She started playing the violin…

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A night of music at Third Man Records

On Tuesday 6 June we hosted a fundraising gig that brought together AYM supporters and…

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“Since I was very young, I’ve been hearing beats in my head and tapping out rhythms – it just comes naturally to me!”

Growing up, Joshua had loads of musical potential. He just needed somewhere to use it!…

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“For me, music is everything and my whole life revolves around it.” 

When 14 year old Tristan started playing in brass bands, he was inspired to have…

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A day of gospel music at Lewisham Music

On Saturday 25 March 2023 we hosted a gospel music workshop for young musicians in…

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“Piano is really important to me, it helps me to find a voice because I’m quite shy but I don’t have to be shy when I play piano.”

Theodore and Arthur are 12 year old brothers who live in Wales. Playing piano is…

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Gospel Music Industry Alliance partners with Awards for Young Musicians and Lewisham Music

We are excited to announce a new partnership with Gospel Music Industry Alliance (GMIA) by…

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“Music is a form of expression – it allows you to create whatever you want, no matter the quality.”

For 14 year old Wiktor, playing the guitar is a way of connecting with others….

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‘Summer Blast’ joint Get Together at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Back in July, students from four of our Furthering Talent Partner Hubs from Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire,…

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