With our spring Modulo Meets just on the horizon, we caught up with Charlie to learn more…
Hello, I’m Charlie! This is my first season as Modulo Programme Manager at Orchestras for All, so I thought I’d introduce myself and share a bit about the work I’m doing with the charity through its fantastic Modulo Programme.
Music plays a big role in my life. Whether it’s jamming with my friends at weekends or sharing songs and stories at my local folk club, it’s more than just a creative outlet – it’s a way to bring people together and feel a sense of shared passion and belonging.
I’ve seen firsthand how powerful music can be, whether it’s the triumph of discovering a new instrument (I’m currently learning the tin whistle – not quite there just yet though!), the excitement of live performance, or the sense of belonging and identity it can give someone.
That’s why I’m so passionate about making music accessible to all young people across the UK through my work with the Modulo Programme.
Read more: 7 powerful benefits of inclusive music education >
Modulo is designed to break down barriers and give young people, no matter their background or ability, the chance to discover the joy of making music in an ensemble. It doesn’t matter if they’re picking up an instrument for the first time or already have some experience; everyone is welcome to join the programme and attend our energising Modulo Meets.
Modulo Meets are our in-person events that take place at leading arts venues across the country, bringing together young people and their music leaders to learn and play within a safe and supportive space. Here they can grow, collaborate and feel empowered to become a valued part of something much bigger than themselves, all the while guided by an expert team of conductors and Orchestral Tutors.
What makes Modulo so special to me is its focus on inclusion. By supporting underfunded schools and working with young musicians from underrepresented communities, the programme ensures that orchestral music-making isn’t just for the few – it’s for everyone.
We create inclusive arrangements that cater to all kinds of instruments – including those not typically found in a traditional orchestra setting, such as guitars, drums, melodicas and saxophones. We encourage learning by ear as well as using sheet music. Young participants even have the opportunity to reverse roles with the adults and try their hand at conducting! We also care about their emotional wellbeing and have a safeguarding team joining us to keep everyone happy throughout the day.
From exciting workshops to unforgettable performances, Modulo creates opportunities that many students might never have had otherwise. I hope these can become treasured memories as well as educational experiences, helping our young musicians to develop both musically and personally.
For me, it’s a privilege to be part of their journey. Watching a young person light up as they hear themselves play their part together with a huge ensemble for the first time – these are the moments that drive me and make me feel proud of doing such meaningful work.
This spring, we’re hosting Modulo in partnership with Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester (10 February), The Glasshouse Centre in Gateshead (6 March), London’s Cecil Sharp House (13 March) and CBSO Centre in Birmingham (14 March). We can’t wait to meet our new cohort very soon and make some epic music together.
Thank you for reading and if you’d like to learn more about Modulo, do take a look at our brochure here or send me an email and I’d be happy to chat with you.
In the meantime, stay tuned on our social media channels for future Modulo updates!
Keen to support Modulo? Please donate what you can to our charity today:
