Read Marianna’s story

Music has been a fundamental part of my life ever since I was given a plastic saxophone aged two. The fact that there were only three notes available to me on this instrument did not matter – it was my most treasured possession and I would play it every day. Music continued to be fundamental in my life from that point onwards.

It was through music – both in and out of school – that I made some of my life-long friends. It showed me what it is to really work hard at something and be proud of the progress you make when you do. And it taught me how to work and communicate effectively with others, often using no more than your breath or through raising your bow.

After university, I wanted to share my love of music with other young people and joined the Teach First programme. I spent three years in a central London secondary school where I was inspired by my students and their commitment to music despite the significant barriers that many faced every day.

I was motivated to do more to help them, and others like them, access out of school music making opportunities that responded to their individual needs and their wide range of instrumental skills. But I could not find ensembles or orchestras for them to play in that were pitched appropriately for their age or needs, that didn’t require an audition or minimum instrument standard, or that were not prohibitively exepensive.

It seemed like there was a gap in the system for an orchestra that recognised commitment and dedication to music over technical ability and that provided the logistical, emotional, financial and practical support that young people – especially those facing barriers – needed to take part. Orchestras for All was born.

Read Elen’s story

I first joined OFA in 2018 as a member of National Orchestra For All, before becoming an Ambassador, then Youth Leadership Coordinator and now the Fundraising and Communications Coordinator.

I have always had a strong connection to music – from my mum playing Bruce Springsteen and Simple Minds in the car, to joining my primary school choir as soon as I was old enough. At eight years old I was given the opportunity to tkae part in free music lessons. I didn’t know what any of the instruments were, so I asked my mum to pick… and now I have a degree in cello playing!

My time in music education has meant that I have experienced first-hand how inaccessible the music industry can be. Coming from a small, working-class seaside town up north and experiencing physical health challenges, when I started wanting to pursue music more seriously, I was faced with an ever-increasing number of barriers and spent much of my degree feeling as though the music world simply wasn’t made for people like me.

Being part of OFA has acted as a constant reminder that music-making IS for everyone and these experiences have only made me more passionate about supporting OFA’s mission. I am very grateful to now be able to play a small part in contiuning their life-chaning work.

Read Ellie’s story

Music has always been a really important part of my life. When I was younger, the highlights of my week were my music lessons, playing in ensembles and singing in choirs. I also made life-long friends through music (including my husband!), and it was always clear to me that I wanted to pursue music beyond school.

At university, I loved learning about different musical cultures. I was struck by how some communities see music as an integral part of life, rather than something separate to be enjoyed, listened to or analysed. I felt this was in huge contrast to the role and importance that music has in the UK.

Many people think they ‘can’t sing’, don’t ‘understand’ certain types of music, or feel out of place in a formal concert setting with secret rules and expectations. These feelings are symptomatic of unequal access to music education, the inevitable cost of learning instruments, and the formality of traditional concert settings.

Throughout my career I’ve always been driven by a desire to change that, imagining a future where music-making can bring joy and meaning to everyone. I was so excited to join the Orchestras for All team in March 2022 because of the organisation’s commitment to creating amazing musical experiences for all young people, regardless of their background or personal barriers.

As the Head of Programmes and Partnerships, I look forward to making sure we continue to put on incredible and inclusive music-making opportunities for young people across the UK, and can’t wait to see where our work takes us next!

Read Emma’s story

Emma studied for a BA and MA in Music at RWCMD and Dartington College of Arts respectively. After a decade as administrator and project manager with Music Theatre Wales, Welsh National Opera and Dartington Arts, she spent eight years as a secondary music teacher, most recently as Head of Performing Arts in Hertfordshire.

Emma has founded and directed young orchestras, musical theatre and folk ensembles and is experienced in leading mixed-ability multi-instrumental groups.

Emma teaches violin with Triborough Music Hub and the Nucleo Project. She is also violinist and Outreach Project Manager with the Bishop’s Stortford Sinfonia and has been conducting the National Orchestra for All since 2016.

Read Helena’s story

I experienced the buzz of live music at an early age thanks to my Greek-Cypriot culture, with special occasions often celebrated in the company of talented soloists or traditional folk bands. I quickly became enchanted by the sound of the musicians’ instruments and their powerful ability to create human connection.

This inspired me to join my school choir and orchestra in Wales, which happens to be known as the “land of song“! I teamed up with the strings and together we played everything from pop hits and film themes to festive carols.

However, my real passion for music came after learning to play the piano and years later, I still can’t get enough of those black and white keys. Nothing beats the feeling of sitting down with your instrument and spending a few hours enjoying all your favourite tunes, whether that’s solo or with others.

I’ve no doubt that joining an orchestra as a young person can be life-changing – it shaped me into the person I am today. I picked up new skills, met some incredible tutors and built lifelong friendships. It also gave me the confidence to go on and record music with bands at university, perform across London with an indie choir and work as a music journalist in radio.

Orchestras for All exists to break down barriers to music-making for young people facing daily challenges and as an adult with ADHD, I have experienced many of these challenges firsthand. I understand the importance of raising awareness about the many benefits of music-making and in working with my inspiring team, hope that I can play my small part in helping to make this happen.

Read Helen’s story

I first started to love music when I began writing songs. I found myself drawn to the piano every day, making up tunes and singing over the top. My music teacher in secondary school encouraged me to perform them in the school term concerts and I made it my goal to write a new song for every concert right up until I left – I still write songs today!

I showed these pieces to my piano teacher, who was also the director of a local church choir and he encouraged me to join. I adored singing in amongst so many voices, getting lost in the music and in harmony with everyone around me. I made lifelong friends on our trips to cathedrals across the country and even composed my own carol. My choir rehearsals were a space where I could forget the stress of everyday life, week after week, while learning incredible skills.

I am eternally indebted to the efforts of my teachers and choral director. With few resources and many barriers, they still gave me invaluable opportunities to participate in music making, allowing me to study music at university, perform with incredible musicians across the country and even study in Canada for a year. With Orchestras for All, I want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to be a part of the world of music and experience the joy it brings to so many people’s lives.

Read Isabelle's story

Like many people born in the 90s, I first experienced cuts to music education when I was very little. I was offered a recorder by my local music service when I had hoped for a flute. There was only one little girl who was allowed flute tuition, and that was because she already had a flute.

I am, however, very fortunate. Proving my dedication to the recorder and sourcing a borrowed flute from a family friend, my musical journey began in earnest. I’ve tried my hand at various musical instruments. Sometimes successfully, and sometimes not. My parents were blessed with patience and a house large enough to remove themselves from the early squawks of an unbroken oboe reed. At school, I made some of my closest friendships whilst playing in wind sections. As an adult, I’ve found creative release whilst trying to stretch my tiny hands across the expanse of a cello. Music is a core and constant part of identity. I wouldn’t be who I am today without it.

I came to Orchestras for All because I believe that every child and young person should have equal access to music education, regardless of your background and the kind of instruments that you may or may not be able to borrow from friends and family. Government cuts to education and the subsequent drop in quality arts provision in schools is having a detrimental impact on the lives and education of young people. Music making is proven to develop cognitive ability, including language, creativity and spatial intelligence, and supports positive mental health. Every young person should have the opportunity to grow, build confidence and express themselves through music (and have fun!). Redressing this imbalance is why I’m here.

Read Jenny's story

Music has been a part of my life since I started learning to play the violin aged eight. I particularly enjoyed the collaborative aspect of picking up an instrument – group violin lessons, school music classes and playing in ensembles. Without music, I wouldn’t have the skills, friendships and life experiences I am fortunate enough to have today. For this reason, I believe everyone should have the opportunity to engage in music and the benefits it brings.

I also studied Community Music at university, which allowed me to further explore the social side of music I enjoy so much and later worked as an instrumental teacher and community musician. During this time, I delivered a variety of projects that engaged people of all ages and backgrounds in music-making.

I started my next chapter as Programmes Coordinator for Orchestras for All’s three innovative programmes, which allowed me to combine my project coordination experience with my passion for providing high-quality and inclusive musical opportunities. Now I am excited to continue this work as Programme Manager for National Orchestra for All.

Read Laura’s story

Music has always been a massive part of my life. I grew up around my dad constantly blasting loud music from his speakers and introducing me to his favourite songs and two decades later, I’m now the one blasting his songs and introducing him to the new music that I’m listening to.

This part of my life became even bigger when I started violin lessons in Year 4. I started one-to-one lessons in my school’s sports hall and practiced as much as I could for my music grades. This expanded throughout my education and I also played the keyboard, drums and guitar in the school band!

I became a part of OFA’s community during secondary school, where I performed twice with the orchestra at Leeds Arena. This was such an amazing experience and I remember feeling like a proper orchestral superstar with such a huge audience!

Music has opened up so many doors for me, allowing me to play to audiences in Paris and Venice, perform solos in front of my orchestra and school as well as discover my passion for music.

Whereas I started as a young person at OFA, my time has now come full circle and I have started a new role as Youth Leadership Coordinator, working with amazing young people, ambassadors and our Youth Board to drive positive change in the charity.

Read Nick’s story

I was prescribed music, in particular the clarinet, from an early age to recover from asthma that I struggled with as a child. My weekly in-school music lessons enabled me to strengthen my breathing capacity and soon my asthma was a distant memory. Ever since, music has been a huge part of my life.

It wasn’t until I joined a music service ensemble that my real passion for music began. Learning those scales and arpeggios and taking those intimidating exams soon turned into sharing spine tingling performances with some of my closest friends I still have today.

If I could offer one piece of advice to any young person learning a musical instrument it would be to say yes. If you are asked to join an ensemble, say yes. If you are given the opportunity to go on a trip or a tour, say yes. If you are encouraged by a friend, teacher, or family member to step outside your comfort zone, say yes.

The skills, friendships, health benefits and memories that music has enabled me to access are vast; the power and potential of yes is endless and I hope for a future in which every young person, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to say yes.

Read Sasha’s story

Music has been in my life from an early age. Growing up in the north of England, I was taken to a local brass band concert and my mum asked me what I would like to play. I vividly remember choosing the drum kit, which I think surprised even me as my mum and brother both played a brass instrument. For about seven years, the four of us would go to band practice every Friday, my dad on Bb tuba, brother on Eb tuba, mum on tenor horn and me at the back playing percussion. We had no choice but to have a massive car!

When I was 17, I played in an orchestra in Manchester and thought about going to music school, however my little sister came along and instead I learnt how to change nappies and look after a baby, the best curve ball ever! I ended up taking a year out and volunteering with a community theatre company in Toronto. I began to learn about the different access points of music and meet really diverse communities.

I came back to the UK and studied BSc Psychology at Goldsmiths and specialised in musical ability in children who were neurodivergent. My supervisor explored the more positive sides of being neurodiverse and I loved it. I went on and completed an MSc in neurodevelopmental disorders, researching adults with learning disabilities and experiences of mental health. Giving space and time to people to express their views was life-changing for me. I began to teach inclusive dance with Corali Dance Company and Music within special needs schools in Camden and then Islington. After having lost music for about 6 years, it came back in a way that I was not expecting.

I had found my teenage years and early 20s quite hard mentally and been exploring many different ways of looking after my wellbeing and I saw similar things with my friends and colleagues. Music, dancing, family, friends and being outside were all support for me through difficult times.

Then in 2019, two more big curve balls happened – one that hit the world, COVID-19, and my dad being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. My own wellbeing practice was so vital at this point, to get through the two and a half years. I experienced so many different things personally that gave me so much more understanding about disability, mental health, caring responsibility, managing and supporting staff, safeguarding, taking space for myself and grief and loss. I became an advocate for my whole family, wanting to challenge systems that did not put the person receiving the care or support first.

Throughout these two years, my dad shared all his music with me and it held us together when other things were disappearing. Finding Orchestras for All showed me that there are places that value wellbeing completely, every young person, every staff member and everyone that we connect with, and it makes me excited that I can use the skills and knowledge that I developed to contribute to creating spaces that support wellbeing.

Read Susanna’s story

I’ve had the great joy and privilege of being Chair of Orchestras for All since May 2018. Playing music with other people (I’m a viola player) has been so important to my life since I was a child growing up in Cornwall and I’m passionate about ensuring that as many young people as possible have the opportunity also.

Outside Orchestras for All, I am Chief Executive of Sound and Music, which is the UK’s national organisation for new music. We work to support composers of all ages and styles to develop their individual musical voice, ensuring that audiences across the UK can explore and enjoy a wide range of amazing new work.

Read Joelle’s story

Hello! I am Joelle and have been a part of Orchestras for All since 2016 as a National Orchestra for All member, then as an Ambassador, and now as a Trustee.

I started off in the NOFA trumpet section, but in 2017 started learning the cello aged 17, and so joined the string section for my final year despite being a complete beginner. One of the awesome things about NOFA is that it welcomes players of all abilities to join, and so coming to NOFA every year alone was a huge motivation for me to continue with music at all, especially as I am currently studying a STEM subject at university.

Being a part of NOFA has opened up many opportunities for me, including helping me to join a brass band and several orchestras over the years, so now I would really like to take this opportunity to give back to the charity as a Trustee, and do what I can to help OFA grow. I look forward to working with OFA over the coming year and seeing the impact we have on young people close-up, especially during these trying times.

Read Beth’s story

Being a music production student and trumpet player from Durham, I didn’t have access to any orchestral opportunities growing up - until Orchestras for All was founded. I played within OFA programmes for seven years and in recent years have undertaken volunteer roles. With experience in both classical and popular music, I’ve played in numerous notable venues and with numerous artists, such as Dave Stewart from Eurythmics. These are opportunities that I likely wouldn’t have been able to access without the confidence OFA has instilled in me.

My individual love for music has now developed into a love for sharing music, and giving young musicians the help that I was given, in order to give everyone a fair chance. Music has a strong power that can make us feel every emotion, and it’s this magic that keeps us coming back.

Read Dominic’s story

Music has always made me tick. Playing the piano has been a constant in my life and I want everyone to enjoy playing, listening to or being involved in music – for all the multi-various benefits that it can bring.

My first boss, who gave me a job in the poetry world, said that when we spoke about music of any genre, my eyes lit up – he encouraged me to find work connected to music. Since then I’ve worked for music venues, orchestras and conservatoires around the UK, in marketing, fundraising and general management. Since 2016, I’ve been the Director of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, based in Glasgow.

Supporting initiatives that enable young people to experience and learn about music, particularly if they might not have had that opportunity before, has long been an area of work that I’ve been dedicated to.

Read Jessica’s story

Music has been foundational to me for as long as I can remember. Growing up in East London, I have experienced many educational disadvantages but I am grateful to my teachers and specifically my music teacher throughout school who introduced me to various musical opportunities.

I am now a singer, pianist and a music teacher. Many of my students have engaged with Orchestras for All and I have previously volunteered as pastoral staff on our summer residencies. I care very deeply about everyone being able to access great music making and so I am really proud to be a trustee for OFA.

Read Lucinda’s story

I can’t remember when music wasn’t part of my life. Learning the recorder with my classmates during Year One at primary school was possibly the first time I felt genuinely good at something – and I now know how much I benefitted from that newfound confidence.

I firmly believe that every young person should be able to achieve their potential – and there is plenty of evidence to prove how much performing music in ensembles can help with so many important life skills. I’m so pleased to be a Trustee of Orchestras for All and I look forward to playing my part in its future.

Read Philip’s story

I spent my childhood surrounded by all types of music from Queen to Beethoven to the one-hit wonder that was Vanilla Ice. However, it was a week-long course aged 11 where I first experienced the real impact of playing in an orchestra and my love for music, performance and group music-making has never stopped.

I studied everything from rap to classical at university, I still sing in a choir and having worked in advertising and marketing I now commission music shows and podcasts at the BBC, aiming to bring the power of classical music in all its forms to new and young audiences across the UK.

Music’s role in stimulating creativity, developing social skills and supporting wellbeing is hugely undervalued and I hope I can play a small part in supporting Orchestra for All’s big ambitions to ensure every young person in the UK has the opportunity to play a musical instrument and experience the benefits of making music together.

Read Robin's story

Orchestral music and singing were hugely important to me in overcoming my childhood challenges and gave me the confidence to go to university (the first in my family) and then to pursue a career in banking and finance. I play piano and cello (sadly not as well as I did in my teens) but singing in SOVocal, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s community choir, on a Thursday evening remains the highlight of my week, not only for the varied music that we create together but also because it is fantastic for relieving stress and improving my mental health. Music changed my life for sure and I believe every young person should have similar opportunities.

I have been trustee, treasurer and chair of a number of charities and I am currently chair of The JABBS Foundation and a trustee of The CBSO Benevolent Fund. Bringing together my financial experience and passion for music to support OFA is a dream opportunity for me. My aim is always to make the charity’s finances understandable and to encourage all to participate in building a strong and resilient organisation so that we can continue to offer fantastic musical opportunities for as many young people as possible.

Read Rosie's story

My career as a pianist flatlined once I’d mastered ‘Memory’ from the musical Cats, which I played over and over and over again. It must have driven everyone bonkers because I had no natural talent. I was no better at the clarinet but am grateful that I had the chance to try and to play alongside other people.

Music remains a big part of my life – it has provided so much joy, solace, explanation, connection and community. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to access and make music as much as they wish. It is always life-enhancing and it can be transformational.

I am frustrated that these opportunities are still not available to all young people – they should not be a luxury. This is why I support the fantastic work of Orchestras for All to break down the barriers to inclusive music-making and build youth power. I am immensely proud to be a Trustee and hope that my professional experience in non-profit leadership will help this organisation realise its immense potential.

Read Atse’s story

I’ve been a member of NOFA since 2014 but I’ve been playing and making music since I was eight, so music has always been something I love to do and be a part of.

In NOFA, I’ve played the violin and piano and outside of NOFA, I’ve played steel pan and do music production and sound engineering.

I’m an ambassador for OFA because I know the positive effects that being a part of OFA can have on you musically and socially – and I want to make sure that every member can reap the same benefits.

Read Beau’s story

I’ve been with NOFA for seven years and it’s a wonderful experience every year.

Music has been a big part of my life since I was young. It let me express myself and get out of my comfort zone in a good way.

I’ve been playing the violin since I was 10 years old and since joining NOFA, I’ve felt inspired to start teaching myself the viola and piano too, with the help of OFA’s tutors and other young people at NOFA.

It means a lot to me to be an ambassador as it lets me help other young people express themselves through music, since NOFA has done so much for me.

Read Chloe’s story

I loved music from a young age - sitting in my Granny’s kitchen in Belfast, listening to my family have a trad session, I desperately wanted to join in. I felt then how music brought people together and created a feeling of community. Naturally I did the only reasonable thing… stole one of my uncle’s tin whistles and began to make a racket.

I then started learning the cello in school at age eight. There was very limited opportunity for ensemble playing and my idea of an orchestra was “serious and stuffy”. Joining National Orchestra for All in 2018 changed that entirely! There I felt that same sense of community but this time it was with 99 other young people that I’d only met three days prior!

I’ve always had a passion for politics and community work but it was joining OFA that made me realise the gap that existed for accessible music-making.Having benefitted so much from music and OFA (helping me grow in skill and confidence), I want to ensure other young people have the same opportunity to fully engage in music-making and get the most out of the hard work that goes into OFA.

Most importantly, I’m looking forward to helping OFA achieve what the youth board likes to call… “world domination”!

Read Grace’s story

I’ve been in NOFA for two years. I love music because it’s a great way of meeting people and a hobby I can always do. It’s a really important part of my life and I don’t know what I’d do without it.

I’m currently in college studying music and I play in a youth orchestra as well as NOFA. It means a lot to me being an ambassador because I’d love to be able to support this charity.

Read Haseeb’s story

I’m Abdul-Haseeb (but I usually go by Haseeb). I’ve been playing the trombone since I was 10 years old in Year 5 and have been part of Orchestras for All since I was 11 – way back in 2015 – and have grown with the organisation.

I feel I owe a lot of my personal development to OFA as it has given me the opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone and has helped me to become a slightly more confident person, while also giving me the opportunity to meet people and make friends from very different backgrounds.

As I went through secondary school, I quickly picked up on a passion for engineering doing it as a GCSE and then going onto A-Level too, all the while unsure as to which field I wanted to go into. However, I now find myself on a Level Four Medical Engineering Apprenticeship with the NHS and hope to go on to Level Six upon completion.

Read Keefe’s story

Hi, I’m Keefe and I come from London. Music has been a large part of my life for a long time now, ever since I started playing the piano in Year Three. I love it because although music can vary massively, it has always been a universal language for everyone. Music has always been a sort of safe place in my mind that I can retreat to when I’m nervous or overwhelmed; almost a sort of second language. I can't imagine a life without it now.

Outside of music, my biggest interest is medicine and I’m aiming to become a doctor in the future. I will also never say no to a good game of chess, although I’ll probably lose very quickly!

I’ve been with OFA for three years now (although it seems a lot longer than that!) and it has given me invaluable experience, many unforgettable memories and great friends. I’m absolutely honoured to be an ambassador for OFA and I can’t wait to meet all of you in the near future!

Read Nelly’s story

I’ve enjoyed playing music since I was little, bouncing around between instruments until ultimately settling on the clarinet. I joined NOFA back in 2015 and they’ve yet to manage to get rid of me.

OFA were the first to introduce me to the joys of playing with others, especially on a large scale. My hope as an ambassador is that I can play a part (get it?) in helping the current generation to experience all the opportunities OFA has given me.

Outside of music, I study physics at university. I’m also always on the look out for another sport to try; the current list is trampolining, netball and gymnastics. I try to find the time to play in an orchestra but none of them ever quite match up to NOFA (we’re just that good!).

Read Noah’s story

I have been a part of OFA for nearly six years – and every year has been better than the last. Over the years, OFA has helped me to improve my confidence and musical ability. I can play things now that I thought were impossible for me to do.

I have been playing double bass for the past eight years and thanks to OFA, I have no intention of stopping anytime soon. I have always had a passion for music as it allows me to imagine and create from my mind, something which I am very grateful to be able to do.

Outside of OFA, I enjoy programming – especially in the field of Cyber Security, as well as making robots and machines. I also enjoy outdoor sports like bouldering and kayaking.

I am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity of being an ambassador as I would like to be able to give back to the orchestra and organisation that I have been a part of for so long.

Read Shannon’s story

I joined NOFA in 2018 and it changed my life as a musician. NOFA’s approach to music-making was different to anything else I’d experienced and made me realise just how much music could connect people. Music has always been an incredibly important part of my life but I don't think I would have found the confidence to pursue it professionally if it weren’t for my time at NOFA.

Since first picking it up in secondary school, my cello and I have been inseparable. I ended up studying music at college and I’m now studying Actor-Musicianship at a drama school. Music’s biggest place in my life has been through theatre, seeing how music can be used to tell a story. NOFA helped me to realise my own creative potential and how I can use my instruments as a second voice.

I’m so excited to be joining the OFA team as an Ambassador and supporting their mission towards making music education more inclusive. I’ve been so inspired by the way OFA empowers young voices and by their commitment to making music accessible - giving me an opportunity that I otherwise wouldn’t have had. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I truly believe that OFA have set the standard for inclusive music education and have proven how change is possible. My passion for change has also led me to many incredible opportunities as an advocate for youth, access and inclusion, such as becoming a member of the London VRU’s Young People’s Action Group and their education team, and even getting to speak at 10 Downing Street about education and the creative industries.

Read Tashan’s story

Hey! It’s Tashan here. I’ve been part of OFA for quite some time actually – it’s been seven years.

I’m just another guy who really likes music and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown to appreciate how much music touches people and brings them together.

Outside of music, I’m also studying physics at university which is another interest of mine. It’s challenging but it’s quite fun too.

As an ambassador, I feel that it’s important to assist the core team to make sure all OFA courses, sessions and events run smoothly. I also believe that being an ambassador puts me in a position to be the bridge between the staff and the young members of OFA, to gain insight on what the young members like and how these OFA courses can be improved for them in the future.