All fifteen National Youth Music Organisations will receive funding as part of the Arts Council’s 2023-26 Investment Programme with the Department for Education contributing £524,410 a year towards the programme.

National Youth Music Organisations provide opportunities for thousands of young people across the country to take part in making, performing and enjoying music. From the coast of Cornwall up to the northern borders of England, these organisations offer large-scale, inclusive performances, music programmes, residencies, summer schools and workshops, helping to develop their skills, experience, and knowledge of music and supporting them to excel as young creatives. They work collectively to share their knowledge and expertise as sector -leaders and advocates for music education, and support the programmes of other National Portfolio Organisations, Music Education Hubs, conservatoires and colleges of music, and many further and higher education bodies.

Arts Council England Chief Executive, Darren Henley, said: “Music in all its forms has huge benefits for young people.  By more than doubling the number of National Youth Music Organisations we are bringing opportunities to learn an instrument, compose, and make music to even more children across the country.  The organisations joining the programme will provide thousands more young people with the chance to experience the joys music can create, and to learn skills that will stay with them throughout their lives, whether that means making music for fun or pursuing a career as a professional musician.”

Awards for young Musicians 

British Youth Music Theatre 

National Youth Folk Ensemble 

Milap Festival Trust (SAMYO)

Music for Youth

National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain 

National Youth Choir 

National Youth Jazz Collective

National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain 

Open Up Music

Orchestras for all 

Pagoda

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain 

UD

Sound and Music