Getting the help you need
Information for young musicians
Home > Information for young musicians Getting the help you need Are you aged between 5 and 17 and looking for funding for your music making? AYM may be able…
Read moreGetting 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.
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.
Connect’s Spring Round-Up 2026
It’s been an exciting Spring term for Connect, with lots of great opportunities for young musicians taking place across England, new mentors joining the programme, and partnerships going…
Young Sounds Patron Kathryn Stott delivers Piano Masterclass
Talented pianists on our Thrive programme travelled to Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester for an insightful day with Young Sounds Patron, Kathryn Stott!
Will’s Story
“If I wasn’t in Young Sounds, I don’t think I would get an opportunity like this.”
A look back at 2025 with Young Sounds UK
We’ve been able to help more talented young people than ever before to make music across the UK this year!
An evening at Drapers’ Hall
Supporters of Young Sounds UK were invited to Drapers’ Hall for a night of fantastic performances and a surprise ensemble.
The Big Give – Bronte, Ghara and Enneko’s Story
From the Isles of Scilly to the Shetland Isles, musical potential stirs in every corner…
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.
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.
The Big Give – Anna’s Story
“As a parent, watching a child’s dream grow is beautiful, but watching someone believe in…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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!
A Stringcredible day at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
On Sunday 22 June 2025, we brought together young people on our Thrive programme for…
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…
Piano masterclass with Libby Burgess
Talented pianists on our Thrive programme recently took part in a day of masterclasses with…
Young Sounds Patron Thomas Gould leads Violin Masterclass
On Sunday 22 September, four advanced violinists supported by our Thrive programme came together at…
“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…
A night of music at Third Man Records
On Tuesday 6 June we hosted a fundraising gig that brought together AYM supporters and…
“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!…
“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…