The Young Leaders Programme gives young people with disabilities and special needs the chance to step into music leadership. Building on years of choir experience with Music of Life, participants aged 16–20 develop confidence, skills, and real-world experience – opening pathways to the arts, inspiring younger students, and shaping the future of inclusive music.
Building on years of participation, students develop skills in:
Music facilitation
Peer support
Communication
Music facilitation
This is about more than music – it’s about confidence, visibility, and post-school opportunity.
Why it matters
Most young disabled musicians have few opportunities to progress into leadership or employment in the arts. This programme fills that gap.
Through specialist training, mentoring, and hands-on practice, our Young Leaders gain real-world experience while acting as inspiring role models for younger students
How it works
Pilot Year (2025–26)
A small group of older students will take part in training sessions alongside our professional musicians.
Training
12 focused leadership sessions across the year, plus ongoing involvement in weekly choir rehearsals.
Experience
Young Leaders will gradually take on co-leading roles, practising essential skills such as leading songs, engaging groups, and supporting inclusive participation.
Showcase
At the end of the year, Young Leaders will co-lead performances in our summer concerts.
Our vision
The Young Leaders Programme opens doors to new skills, confidence, and potential career paths in music education. It also strengthens our choirs by creating visible role models who inspire younger participants and show what is possible. With this initiative, Music of Life is planting the seeds for the next generation of inclusive music leaders.
Help us keep the music playing
With your support, we can reach more young people and continue delivering life-changing one-to-one lessons.
