Connect

Part of the Connect, Create, Perform scheme

Imagine discovering your child has a strong passion for music, and then having to tell them they can’t continue, simply because you can’t afford the lessons.

This is the reality for many families. But with your help, it doesn’t need to be.

The Connect programme exists to make sure that children and young people from low-income families can keep playing, learning and growing through music — no matter their circumstances.

Connect is a national programme supporting children and young people to access high-quality music education, delivered through ten hubs nationwide.

Severn Arts is proud to be one of the organisations selected to run the Connect programme locally.

Through weekly one-to-one lessons, access to instruments, inspiring workshops, and individual support, Connect gives young people the chance to thrive — musically, emotionally and socially.

Impact of the programme

F is a looked-after child who wouldn’t have been able to access one-to-one lessons without the programme. Now, music is a meaningful part of his week.

F has benefitted massively from the musical input he has received through Severn Arts. In particular it has awoken his natural talent for music, helped him explore and develop his musical abilities and increased his self-confidence. It helps with his self-esteem to know that he has an ability which is worth nurturing.
– parent/carer.

What your support can provide

With your support, each child on the programme receives:

Weekly one-to-one music lessons with a skilled tutor

A personalised online learning plan to track progress and build skills

A £50 annual bursary for instruments, music exams or live performances

Termly 'Get Togethers' with studio time, guest artists and group workshops

Mentoring from Victoria Goddard, a former Severn Arts student now at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

This is more than music education. It’s about building confidence, unlocking creativity, and creating a sense of belonging.

S gained the confidence to join the Severn Arts string ensemble and later The Film Orchestra, using her bursary to support her place.

Y’s progress through Connect helped him win a place at Jazzlines Summer School – an opportunity he wouldn’t normally have as a non-Birmingham resident.

The benefit for my child is amazing. Just because we’re on a low income, he won’t miss out.

We can’t do this without your help

Thanks to generous funding from Stufest, given in memory of Stuart Silcock, five students will be supported on the programme over four years. Now we want to support more young musicians to thrive.

It costs £560 to support one child for a year

£25,200 is needed annually to keep the Connect Programme running, supporting 45 young people per year

Your support is vital. Every gift helps ensure that cost is not the reason a child stops making music.

Make a gift. Make a difference.

£5,600	Will support ten children through Connect for a year
£2,800	Supports five children through Connect for a year
£560	Supports one child through Connect for a year
£167	Supports one child for one school term
Other Amount	Every gift makes a meaningful difference

With your help, we can give more children the chance to shine through music.

Donate

Find out more about the Connect programme

To learn more about the Connect programme and our partnership with Young Sounds, visit: Young Sounds UK

To find out more about Connect through Severn Arts, contact Rachel from our team who will get back to you as soon as she can - Young Sounds: Speak to a connector | Severn Arts

Return to the Connect, Create, Perform scheme