We're here to prove that music isn’t just for some – it’s for everyone.

We turn data into action – helping young people not just make music but make a living from it. 

Our research drives change, holding us accountable as a bold, equitable changemaker. 

96%

NextGen creatives agree that funding improved their self-confidence and belief

As well as improving the quality of their work and enabling them to make things happen on their own terms

120,000+

children and young people making, learning and earning in music

We invest in grassroots music making across the nation, with 87% of our funding invested outside of London over the last year

£9.7 million

invested in young people’s creativity

Over the last year, we’ve invested in 292 new grants including over £250k in 102 NextGen creatives

Our Impact
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Youth Music Awards

The Youth Music Awards is a vibrant celebration of young talent, representing the future of music with every beat and lyric.
 

Latest News

Youth Music branded lightbox sat on an amp
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More funding. New systems. A permanent CEO: Youth Music in 2026

Discover Youth Music’s 2026 funding updates, new grants system, leadership changes and expanded support for young creatives, grassroots projects and inclusive music opportunities nationwide.

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bina, studiowyzz and jayahadadream
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NextGen Fund Creatives: Where Are They Now?

From Glastonbury stages to record deals and magazine covers, our NextGen Fund creatives are making waves. Thanks to vital support from music rights champion PPL, BINA., JayaHadADream and StudioWyzz turned their grants into game-changing careers.

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ones to watch 2026 collage
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Youth Music unveils Ones to Watch 2026: the artists shaping the future of UK music

Meet Youth Music’s Ones to Watch 2026. 20 bold, genre-pushing artists shaping the future of UK music, supported through our NextGen Fund and powered by Wingstop.

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Trailblazer Round 10 - Grant Awards

Discover the 32 organisations funded through Trailblazer Fund Round 10.

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catalyser fund logo, blue background, yellow shapes, black writing
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Catalyser Round 5 - Grant Awards

Discover the 44 organisations funded through Catalyser Fund Round 5.

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A group of young people with their hands up surrounding a DJ booth. The pic is in black and white.
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Youth Music Seeks New PR Agency Partner

We're looking for a PR agency partner in 2026, as we continue to increase our focus on growing fundraising and influencing policymakers. 

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Matt Griffiths CEO, doing a speech at the Youth Music Awards 2025, at a lectern
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Farewell Matt Griffiths: 13 years of Championing Young People

After 13 transformative years, Matt Griffiths steps down as CEO of Youth Music. Discover his achievements, impact on young people, and how the charity is navigating this leadership transition.

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a person walking alone at night
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Just the Way It Is? Our new report exposes alarming harm facing young people in the music industries

Young creatives are speaking out about unsafe, unfair and discriminatory conditions in the music industries. Our new report reveals the scale of harm and the changes needed to create safer, fairer workplaces.

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Two nextgen performers on stage. They are in front of a sign saying 'Youth Music NextGen', the singer is wearing an oversized grey suit, and the other is accompanying on the keyboard.
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Do What You Love or Do What Pays? The NextGen Creative Dilemma

Explore the challenges young musicians face in balancing creativity and financial survival, highlighting stories from the NextGen community and the realities of pursuing a music career.

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two adults sat on the floor, one is pointing to something off screen. 4 other adults sat behind them on chairs chatting to each other in front of a yellow wall
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Celebrating one year of the Energiser Fund

Early years practitioners, artists, and partners gathered at Bristol Old Vic to celebrate the first year of the Energiser Fund and share creative learning.

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