7 powerful benefits of inclusive music education

It really is a game changer...

At Orchestras for All (OFA), we believe that every young person should have the opportunity to experience the joy of music-making with others, regardless of their background, ability or personal circumstances.

We know that inclusive music education can transform young lives and as part of this, creating a friendly and open environment for our ensembles is key to ensuring that all participants are given an equal chance to thrive.

Read on as we explore seven powerful benefits of inclusive music education and why it’s essential to create safe spaces where all young people feel seen, heard and valued.

1. It builds a culture of kindness

Inclusive music education is about so much more than just creating music – it's about making sure every individual feels valued and understood. When diverse groups of young people come together, each with their own unique story and perspective, they can learn to listen, support and respect one another. These skills are essential not just in music but also in life, encouraging young people to become more compassionate and engaged members of society.

At OFA, our commitment to inclusivity and wellbeing is seen at every level of our organisation – from how our core team and freelance staff collaborate, to how we engage and work with the young people who participate in our programmes, fostering an environment of kindness and understanding for all.

2. It breaks down social barriers

One of the most powerful benefits of inclusive music education is its ability to bring together young people from different social, cultural and economic backgrounds. In a supportive, inclusive ensemble, young people can form meaningful connections over their shared love of music without the social barriers they often face in other settings. Taking an inclusive approach enables young people to build lasting friendships and it instils a sense of belonging.

Both our National Orchestra for All (NOFA) and Modulo programmes bring together hundreds of young people from across the UK with diverse backgrounds who might not have met ordinarily. By the end of each rehearsal or live event, it’s clear for us to see how our accessible activities encourage new bonds and there’s always a buzz in the room!

Read more: Celebrating music and togetherness: Read our latest Impact report >

3. It improves health and wellbeing

Did you know that playing or listening to music can lower your blood pressure? According to Harvard Medical School, a nurse-led team at Massachusetts General Hospital found that patients who listened to music for 30 minutes had lower blood pressure, slower heart rates and showed fewer signs of distress than those who hadn’t listened to music.

Plus, it’s been scientifically proven that listening to music can promote a sense of calm and lower levels of cortisol, also known as your stress hormone. If you’re a young person and struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma or grief, learning to make music with others in an inclusive setting can be a powerful tool to aid your recovery and help you cope in difficult times.

4. It celebrates diversity

Inclusive music education is all about embracing what makes each of us unique. Every young musician can bring something special to an ensemble, whether that's a different way of thinking and learning, or showing their peers a new way to express themselves. In an inclusive setting, there are no “right” or “wrongs”, empowering young musicians to speak up, share their point of view and take risks without the fear of being judged.

At OFA, our repertoire is chosen in collaboration with the young people we work with, so our programmes are jam-packed with pieces of music from multiple genres, reflecting the diversity of the young people who play them.

We also embrace different methods of learning, whether that’s by ear (rather than reading from traditional scores), Braille sheet music or colour-coded visual maps as an alternative form of notation. When everyone feels welcome and valued in an ensemble, it only serves to enrich group rehearsals and makes the music played even more meaningful.

5. It boosts confidence and self-esteem

As well as improving musical ability, inclusive approaches to music education can encourage personal growth, boosting young musicians’ confidence and self-esteem, while also developing their emotional intelligence and resilience.

As young people work together to overcome challenges, they can learn to manage their emotions, express themselves effectively and support others. These skills can be applied to all areas of life, whether that’s navigating social situations and relationships, coping with stress at work and school, or taking pride in personal achievements.

At NOFA residentials, members have the opportunity to take centre stage outside of full orchestra rehearsals and perform a piece of their choice in our famed recital evening, regardless of their skill level. This has become a true NOFA highlight, celebrating each young musician’s journey and providing them with a platform to grow.

Read more: Your voice matters: share your thoughts in Orchestras for All’s new brand survey >

6. It creates new opportunities for young people to shine

By providing tailored support to each individual through our expert team of orchestral and wellbeing tutors, inclusive music education at OFA enables young people to build upon their strengths and make meaningful contributions outside of the rehearsal room.

For example, our inspiring NOFA alum, Christian Dews, felt empowered to write his own composition after leaving the orchestra – and we’re very pleased to share that his brilliant work now features in this season’s NOFA repertoire.

At OFA, we’re committed to creating other opportunities for inclusive youth leadership too. This includes building teams of Ambassadors (paid roles for NOFA alums), creating roles in our core team, freelance team and Board of Trustees, and inviting young people to share their thoughts on our Youth Board. We want to give everyone a chance to shine and encourage our community to grow in a way that works best for them.

Read more: ‘Investing in youth leadership is crucial for shaping the future of the arts,’ says National Orchestra for All alum, Elen >

7. It improves teamwork

When it comes to music-making, collaboration is key. Every musician’s contribution is valued, whether they’re playing a stunning solo or supporting others in their instrumental section. Teamwork teaches young people how to listen, work together towards a common goal and be accepting of different ideas.

Last season, NOFA members enjoyed an inclusive workshop led by multi-instrumentalist and composer, Joe Broughton, in which they improvised to co-produce a powerful new piece of music, titled ‘Strength in Numbers’.

At OFA, we’ve witnessed firsthand the many benefits that come with inclusive music education, transforming young lives forever. Thank you to our generous funders, individual donors and supporters for continuing to champion our inclusive programmes. Let’s keep breaking down those musical barriers and set up young people for a brighter future.

Keen to support our inclusive work? Please donate what you can to our charity:

9 groundbreaking Black composers you really need to know

Looking to broaden your musical world? Then look no further...

Here at Orchestras for All, we truly champion equality, diversity and inclusion, whether that’s relating to the young musicians we work with or the music they perform.

That’s why we’re taking a moment to celebrate the powerful musical contributions of Black composers throughout music history.

From classical pioneers to modern genre-benders, here are nine inspiring composers who reshaped the world of music as we know it, often breaking down barriers and blazing trails along the way! (Trust us, you’ll want to add them to your next playlist…)

Read more: Music making across borders: A memorable week in Vienna with Superar >

1. Florence Price (1887–1953)

Florence Price made history as the first African American woman to have her work performed by a major U.S. orchestra. Premiering in 1933, her Symphony No. 1 in E minor blends African American spirituals, Western classical forms and vibrant rhythms.

This year, the young people in National Orchestra for All and our Modulo ensembles performed the spectacular ‘Allegro ma non troppo’ (first) movement from this symphony at arts venues nationwide, embracing Price’s groundbreaking legacy and keeping the work relevant today.

2. Errollyn Wallen CBE (b. 1958)

Errollyn Wallen CBE is a Belize-born British composer whose work defies traditions. Not only is she a trailblazer in the classical world, being the first Black female composer to have her work performed at the BBC Proms (Concerto for Percussion, 1994), but she is also an accomplished singer-songwriter.

Wallen’s music spans a vast range of genres, from opera and chamber music to pop songs, blending classical traditions with influences from jazz, blues and contemporary styles. Earlier this year, Wallen also became the first Black woman to be proudly appointed as Master of the King’s Music.

““Anyone from anywhere can be a composer. If, along the way, I have helped to dispel the myth that a composer is only white and male, that can only be a good thing.” ”

— Errollyn Wallen CBE, in an interview with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Plus, music runs in the family as Errollyn’s brother, Byron Wallen, is also a distinguished jazz trumpeter, who previously led one of our Modulo workshops to share his passion for brass instruments and rhythm with the young people participating in the programme!

3. William Grant Still (1895–1978)

Often referred to as the “Dean of African American Composers” due to all the firsts he achieved, William Grant Still composed over 150 works, including symphonies, operas, ballets and chamber music.

Blending classical forms with blues and jazz, Still’s invigorating Afro-American Symphony (1930) was the first symphony penned by a Black composer to be performed by a major U.S. orchestra.

Read more: Investing in youth leadership is crucial for shaping the arts >

 4. George Walker (1922–2018)

Pianist and organist, George Walker, was the first Black composer to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music and in 1996, he was awarded for his dramatic work, Lilacs, written specially for soprano or tenor and orchestra.

Walker’s musical style blends classical, modernist and African American elements, and he is known for composing across multiple genres – from full-scale orchestral works to solo piano pieces, showcasing the breadth of his skill.

5. Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745–1799)

Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, was a virtuoso violinist, conductor, composer and soldier of Afro-Caribbean and French descent.

Born in the French colony of Guadeloupe, Bologne had an extraordinary life. He was a prolific composer, writing symphonies, operas and chamber music, which led to him becoming one of the most celebrated musicians in 18th-century France.

Today, Bologne’s vast catalogue of music, which includes the sweet-sounding ‘Trois Sonates’ for keyboard and violin (1770), continues to inspire musicians and audiences worldwide. His life as a composer and swordsman is the stuff of legend – so much so, it was portrayed in the 2022 film, ‘Chevalier’, marking him as one of the earliest and most inspiring Black figures in classical music history.

6. Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875–1912)

A British composer of Sierra Leonean descent, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor was a major figure in early 20th-century music.

While perhaps best known for his stunning work, Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast (1898), which brought him international fame, Coleridge-Taylor also used his platform to advocate for racial equality and celebrate African heritage.

His compositions merge classical traditions with African rhythms and melodies – an approach we also like to take at Orchestras for All as we embrace different cultures and genres in our repertoire to reflect the diversity of the young musicians we support.

7. Shirley J. Thompson OBE (b. 1958)

Shirley J. Thompson OBE is a British composer, conductor, violinist and academic of Jamaican descent, renowned for her orchestral works, film scores and operas as well as for being a cultural activist.

Thanks to her striking 21st century symphony, New Nation Rising (2002), celebrating London’s diverse histories through thematically linked movements, Thompson made history as the first woman in Europe to have composed and conducted a symphony within the last 40 years.

In 2002, the work was even performed live in the UK by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee!

Read more: Orchestras for All invites young musicians to join its new season of inclusive programmes >

8. Ignatius Sancho (1729–1780)

British composer, writer and abolitionist, Ignatius Sancho, was one of the first people of African descent known to have voted in a British election in 1774. Though born on a slave ship, Sancho eventually became a free man and prominent figure in London society. He composed a collection of music for dance, including minuets, cotillions and country dances.

Sancho’s compositions, including ‘Sweetest Bard’ and ‘Friendship Source of Joy’ (1769), offer a rare glimpse into the life of a Black composer in 18th-century Britain, making him a significant figure in both music history and the abolitionist movement.

9. Courtney Pine (b. 1964)

Courtney Pine is one of the UK’s most celebrated jazz musicians and composers. Over the course of his career, Pine has revolutionised the British jazz scene, blending this musical genre with reggae, hip-hop, drum and bass as well as soul to create a distinctive and powerful sound.

His impressive work as a composer spans everything from big band jazz to smaller ensemble pieces, with albums such as Journey to the Urge Within having earned critical acclaim worldwide.

Pine’s dedication to pushing boundaries in music, while also staying true to his heritage, has made him a key figure in British music today.

At Orchestras for All, we continue to take inspiration from composers of all backgrounds when collaborating on new programmes of repertoire, empowering the young people we work with to take ownership over their learning, explore their creativity and embrace different cultures and genres within a welcoming and supportive setting.

Keen to increase access to music-making and provide new opportunities for young people to create music together? Please donate what you can to our programmes:

7 ways to support musicians in the LGBTQIA+ community

Take action and make a difference today.

At Orchestras for All (OFA), we fully support the LGBTQIA+ community and know that by doing so, it contributes towards creating a world that is more just, equitable and inclusive for all – regardless of people’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with the same level of respect and dignity, free of discrimination and prejudice – and with many members of the LGBTQIA+ community often facing higher rates of anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions, supporting them also means advocating for their health and wellbeing, boosting their confidence and promoting a sense of belonging.

Celebrating diversity enriches our society, bringing us together in new and meaningful ways. This has never been more apparent than it is in the music sector today, so here are seven ways you can support musicians in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Read more: ‘Before joining National Orchestra for All, I felt helpless – but now I’ve grown in confidence and independence,’ says autistic double bass player, Noah >

1. Listen to LGBTQIA+ music

One of the easiest ways you can support LGBTQIA+ musicians is to discover and listen to their work. Popular music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and Tidal have curated playlists featuring LGBTQIA+ artists, or you can stay up to date about new releases by following them on social media.

You could also attend LGBTQIA+ music festivals, listen to radio stations that play music exclusively from the LGBTQIA+ community – such as Pride Radio and Hits Radio Pride – or ask for personal recommendations from friends and community members.

2. Donate to LGBTQIA+-friendly organisations

National Orchestra for All Ambassador, Mars, supports the ensemble at their Nottingham rehearsals

In the UK, there are so many inspiring organisations that support the LGBTQIA+ community, including Stonewall, Galop, Mermaids, MindOut and the Human Rights Campaign.

We’re also proud to be LGBTQIA+-friendly here at Orchestras for All, welcoming all young musicians and staff to our diverse, inclusive and often life-changing musical programmes regardless of where they come from or how they choose to identify. Please support our work and donate what you can today:

3. Create safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ musicians

A selection of fidget toys and crafts in the wellbeing room at a National Orchestra for All course

National Orchestra for All Wellbeing Tutor, Xia-Leon, said: “A great place to start is by asking everyone to include their pronouns when introducing themselves in group environments, and respect these and the language aligned with them at all times. Combined with non-gendered dress codes, this will help trans and gender non-conforming members of your organisations and communities to feel welcome and safe to present as their authentic selves.”

During NOFA courses, members and staff also have access to a “wellbeing room” where they can go to relax, recharge and take care of their physical and mental health in a calming space. Comfy seating, sensory toys, meditative tools, reading material and friendly faces from the wellbeing team are all effective ways of ensuring our young musicians – including those from the LGBTQIA+ community – always feel safe and supported when they need time out from rehearsals or performing.

4. Buy LGBTQIA+ music and attend shows

In today’s digital world, it can be all too easy for us to rely solely on streaming as a means of consuming music – and especially when so much of it is freely available. Purchasing music written by your favourite LGBTQIA+ artists or showing your support by attending their live events goes a long way in keeping up the momentum within the community.

As well as selling music via their websites, popular platform Bandcamp is often used by independent musicians to sell their work directly to fans, or you can team up with a friend on the weekend and seek out hidden gems in your local record store.

5. Share LGBTQIA+ music on social media

From TikTok and Twitter to Instagram and Snapchat, social media platforms are growing faster than ever – and let’s face it, they won’t be slowing down anytime soon. To increase the visibility of your favourite LGBTQIA+ musicians, help them reach a wider audience and connect with others who might enjoy their work, one of the quickest ways you can act is by sharing links to their work with your followers – and as regularly as you can!

If you’re a bit of a wordsmith, you might even want to consider writing reviews and tagging artists in your post using relevant hashtags, such as #LGBTQIA+Music or #QueerArtists.

6. Include LGBTQIA+ music in your choice of repertoire

If you’re a member of a youth orchestra or choir, why not make a suggestion to perform some of the music you’ve discovered live in concert? As part of OFA’s repertoire last season, National Orchestra for All performed ‘Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra’ by composer Benjamin Britten, who was an openly gay man.

Orchestral covers of songs famously associated with the LGBTQIA+ community – including Queen’s 1984 rock hit, ‘I Want to Break Free’, Lady Gaga’s chart-topping tune, ‘Born This Way’, and Gloria Gaynor’s disco anthem, ‘I Will Survive’ – can also be a powerful way to celebrate and amplify people’s voices and experiences.

7. Advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights

National Orchestra for All members rehearse on stage at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Finally, take the time to educate yourself on LGBTQIA+ history and the rights movement. Use your voice to speak up whenever you hear homophobic or transphobic remarks and raise awareness about some of the key issues people face today.

Support politicians and policies that promote equality, engage with charities that are committed to implementing positive change and become an ally for your LGBTQIA+ friends, family and colleagues. By taking these steps, you can help to create a more inclusive and accepting society for LGBTQIA+ musicians.

Keen to support young LGBTQIA+ musicians from across the UK?
Please donate what you can to Orchestras for All:

13 of the best ways to make your youth orchestra more inclusive

Welcome young musicians who may be facing barriers to music making

In recent years, improving equality, diversity and inclusion has become a top priority for many a workplace – but is there more that can be done for our youth orchestras? 

Differences in age, gender, religion, nationality and sexual orientation can all add value and fresh perspectives to an ensemble, while fostering an open culture that welcomes youth voice is key to improving the line of communication between leaders and their students. 

For 10 years, we’ve been doing all we can here at Orchestras for All to develop our practice and break down the barriers of equality, diversity and inclusion within music education – and although we’re proud of what we’ve learned so far, we know there’s still much to do.

That said, we’ve picked up some handy tips along the way. If you’re a music teacher or leader looking for advice on this area, here are our top tips for supporting your youth orchestra:

1) Welcome young people who may be facing barriers to orchestral music making.

This could be due to their physical disability, mental health condition, sexual orientation, lack of financial support or additional learning needs. Constantly adapt your programme to suit the individual needs of who you are working with.

Read more: A tribute to Lucy Hale, National Orchestra for All’s former Young Composer-in-Residence >

Create a collaborative culture between students in your ensemble

2) Diversify your decision makers for artistic programmes.

This could be achieved by adapting your hiring processes to reach applicants from different backgrounds – the more diverse your workforce, the more you’ll remain open to fresh perspectives.

Plus, recruiting staff who have faced similar barriers to music making as the young people you’re working with will ensure you have positive role models representing your ensemble.

3) Acknowledge young people from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

You should also be welcoming applicants who speak more than one language – after all, music is universal! A great way to support these students during rehearsals or in your external communications is to use clear, simple language and focus more on non-verbal cues.

4) Ensure all genders are equally represented.

Whether it’s during the recruitment stage or when providing your ensemble with musical scores (if these are used), be fair and create the same number of opportunities for everyone.

5) Foster diverse thinking and ensure all voices are heard.

Respect your young people and involve them in your meetings, governance and strategy. Offer one-on-one discussions and encourage students to speak their mind. You could also consider forming a youth board or electing young leaders to represent their group.

When selecting repertoire, consider how it represents diversity

6) Create a collaborative culture within the ensemble.

Encourage members to lead, share their ideas, ask questions and support each other to help them take ownership of their group and ensure that everyone feels included.

7) Make your recruitment process inclusive.

Instead of just auditioning, ask interested players to tell you why they want to join. Don’t make it just about skill level – consider adapting your music to suit the ensemble and create bespoke arrangements. Or even better, do you need to audition at all?

8) Make your workspaces inclusive.

Ensure your environment reflects everyone’s needs – including at gatherings and events. For example, you should offer food and beverages that everyone can eat and drink.

Read more: ‘An orchestra is a representation of an effective society’, says Artistic Director >

9) Form a strong pastoral support team.

This should be tailored to meet the needs of your individual players to protect their physical and emotional welfare.

10) When selecting repertoire, consider how it represents diversity.

Try to avoid creating a programme that is dominated by white male composers of the past – this stigma still exists in classical music and we want to break it!

11) Make your ensemble free to join.

And if this isn’t possible, at least provide generous bursaries for those unable to afford joining fees. You should also investigate ways to fund the hidden costs or burdens of ensemble music-making, whether that’s travel or accommodation.

Donate to Orchestras for All >

12) Seek out organisations and networks that can bring people from a wider range of backgrounds into your ensemble.

This might include a nomination process, where young people are nominated to join the orchestra and don't need to apply themselves.

13) And finally, consider including non-traditional instruments and non-traditional score reading in your practice.

For some young people, reading from manuscripts can be tricky but learning by ear offers an effective alternative. And by keeping your instrumentation diverse, you’ll soon discover there’s nothing quite like the sweet sound of a ukulele to complement a beating drum!

Find out more on how to lead an inclusive ensemble and learning by ear with our Music Leadership Programme >