Severn Arts is one of 10 Music Hubs nationwide delivering the Furthering Talent programme in partnership with Young Sounds UK. 

Furthering Talent helps musicians from the earliest stage in their musical journey. The programme is specifically designed to help young people from low-income families sustain their musical learning after initial state-funded whole-class lessons end, so they can keep on progressing and playing music well into their teens and beyond.

Everyone selected for the programme receives weekly instrumental tuition for a minimum of two academic years, as well as wider help for their musical progression in the form of an Individual Learning Plan. Students are also invited to a range of termly musical experiences called ‘Get Togethers’ and receive a personal bursary to support their ongoing progression. This holistic support means the programme has a very high continuation rate.

Furthering Talent Connect

In addition to the Furthering Talent programme Young Sounds have also established a network of experts across the music education sector in England. The experts are called ‘Connectors’ and their role is to connect young people and families with musical experiences in their local area. They exist to find appropriate opportunities and share valuable information on how best to support young people’s musical development. The role of the Furthering Talent Connector is to support parents and young musicians to access the musical information, advice and guidance they need. 

In Worcestershire the Furthering Talent programme and connector role is managed by Rachel Davies. Mentoring support for Furthering Talent pupils is provided by Victoria Goddard, musician and former Severn Arts pupil.

Click here to read more about Furthering Talent Connect