Breadcrumb Home About Us Our Team Copy URL https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/about/our-team Our Team Our small team works with the same goal in mind - to equalise access to music for young people across the UK.Meet the Youth Music staff, trustees, ambassadors, supporters and advisors who make our work possible. Explore the different parts of our charity and get to know the team. Copy URL https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/about/our-team Our Team Our small team works with the same goal in mind - to equalise access to music for young people across the UK.Meet the Youth Music staff, trustees, ambassadors, supporters and advisors who make our work possible. Explore the different parts of our charity and get to know the team. All Ambassadors Staff Supporters Trustees Trustee Sam Denniston Sam is the founder of Verdigris Management, an independent artist management company that helps artists realise their creative vision. Sam represents a diverse set of artists across a range of genres. From creating global success stories; Jungle and Hot Chip - to breaking emerging artists - Priya Ragu and Smoothboi Ezra - Sam’s passion for integrity and creativity within the music industry has helped him to grow the company from a one-man bedroom-based operation to a team of 10 working over 25 artists, producers and mixers; in just eight years. Pronouns He/himNo. 1 favourite My familyNo. 2 favourite Track daysNo. 3 favourite Sold out shows at Brixton Academy! Grants & Learning Officer Sam Harvey I am the Grants & Learning Officer for the North East and Scotland. I look after a portfolio of around 50 funded partners, and support new applicants through their grant application, delivery and reporting stages. Pronouns he/himFavourite album On the Beach – Neil YoungFavourite artist Kurt VileFavourite gig Anything at End of the Road festival, most recently Wu-Lu or Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Programme Manager Sam Scott I lead on the day-to-day delivery and management of Youth Music’s grant programmes, and coordinate the work of direct reports and the team to ensure quality and satisfaction against our grant making principles. I also have responsibility for a range of initiatives, including new fund development and driving the implementation of our organisation-wide youth voice and participation strategy. Pronouns he/himMemorable gig Lankum at Barbican 2023Pointless skill Stone skimmingFavourite place Scottish Highlands Trustee Sarah Brown Sarah is the national programme lead for children and young people’s mental health at NHS England. With over 20 years’ experience in public sector children’s services, Sarah has been at the forefront of developing and delivering public policy, leading strategic commissioning and driving large-scale transformational change at a national, sub-regional and local level. Pronouns she/herFavourite album right now 11 by SaultFavourite gig Portishead at Brixton AcademyFavourite place North Yorkshire coast Grants & Learning Officer Sprout Grooters I’m the Grants & Learning Officer for the East and West Midlands. I look after a portfolio of around 60 grassroots organisations across the Midlands and in my day-to-day I support funded partners throughout the application, delivery, and reporting process, while also advising potential applicants. Pronouns They/themFavourite snack Homemade cheese toastieFavourite karaoke song Wuthering Heights - Kate BushFavourite recent gig ML Buch and Astrid Sonne at the ICA Marketing and Communications Officer Tim Spalding I create and manage content for our website and newsletters, ensuring our mission is communicated effectively. I have experience working for purposeful organisations and charities alongside volunteering with The Listening Place. I'm passionate about supporting Youth Music to create a more inclusive and diverse future in music. Pronouns he/himFavourite artists Yves Tumor, Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, David ByrneFavourite TV show The Thick of ItGuilty pleasure Robbie Williams Database Administrator Victoria Opitz My role is to look after, and help people get the most out of the databases here at Youth Music, working alongside the very helpful super users. Pronouns she/herFavourite food anything spicy or with tofu, ideally both!Favourite music Bjork, Burial, Chic, Craig David, Groove Armada, Moonwiring Club, Phillippe Jaroussky, Scissor Sisters, Time AttendantFavourite singing project I've taken part in Singing in ‘A Nightingale Sang’ by John Browne at the Queen Elizabeth Hall led by Suzi Zumpe, we were a choir supporting singers from a variety of mental health community settings Head of Grants Zoe Kilb I oversee the grant-making cycle (from setting up funding rounds through to processing final evaluation reports) and I coordinate the work of the 5 Grants & Learning Officers. I was previously a Senior Grants & Learning Officer – looking after South West, East of England & East Midlands for nearly 4 years – so I have good knowledge about these regions. I also take a lead on our Early Years priority area, and I am fairly well connected in the Early Years music making community! Pronouns she/herFavourite album Tuesday Night Music ClubFavourite podcast The ParapodFavourite book Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow by Peter Høeg Pagination First page « First Previous page Page 1 Page 2 Current page 3
Trustee Sam Denniston Sam is the founder of Verdigris Management, an independent artist management company that helps artists realise their creative vision. Sam represents a diverse set of artists across a range of genres. From creating global success stories; Jungle and Hot Chip - to breaking emerging artists - Priya Ragu and Smoothboi Ezra - Sam’s passion for integrity and creativity within the music industry has helped him to grow the company from a one-man bedroom-based operation to a team of 10 working over 25 artists, producers and mixers; in just eight years. Pronouns He/himNo. 1 favourite My familyNo. 2 favourite Track daysNo. 3 favourite Sold out shows at Brixton Academy! Grants & Learning Officer Sam Harvey I am the Grants & Learning Officer for the North East and Scotland. I look after a portfolio of around 50 funded partners, and support new applicants through their grant application, delivery and reporting stages. Pronouns he/himFavourite album On the Beach – Neil YoungFavourite artist Kurt VileFavourite gig Anything at End of the Road festival, most recently Wu-Lu or Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Programme Manager Sam Scott I lead on the day-to-day delivery and management of Youth Music’s grant programmes, and coordinate the work of direct reports and the team to ensure quality and satisfaction against our grant making principles. I also have responsibility for a range of initiatives, including new fund development and driving the implementation of our organisation-wide youth voice and participation strategy. Pronouns he/himMemorable gig Lankum at Barbican 2023Pointless skill Stone skimmingFavourite place Scottish Highlands Trustee Sarah Brown Sarah is the national programme lead for children and young people’s mental health at NHS England. With over 20 years’ experience in public sector children’s services, Sarah has been at the forefront of developing and delivering public policy, leading strategic commissioning and driving large-scale transformational change at a national, sub-regional and local level. Pronouns she/herFavourite album right now 11 by SaultFavourite gig Portishead at Brixton AcademyFavourite place North Yorkshire coast Grants & Learning Officer Sprout Grooters I’m the Grants & Learning Officer for the East and West Midlands. I look after a portfolio of around 60 grassroots organisations across the Midlands and in my day-to-day I support funded partners throughout the application, delivery, and reporting process, while also advising potential applicants. Pronouns They/themFavourite snack Homemade cheese toastieFavourite karaoke song Wuthering Heights - Kate BushFavourite recent gig ML Buch and Astrid Sonne at the ICA Marketing and Communications Officer Tim Spalding I create and manage content for our website and newsletters, ensuring our mission is communicated effectively. I have experience working for purposeful organisations and charities alongside volunteering with The Listening Place. I'm passionate about supporting Youth Music to create a more inclusive and diverse future in music. Pronouns he/himFavourite artists Yves Tumor, Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, David ByrneFavourite TV show The Thick of ItGuilty pleasure Robbie Williams Database Administrator Victoria Opitz My role is to look after, and help people get the most out of the databases here at Youth Music, working alongside the very helpful super users. Pronouns she/herFavourite food anything spicy or with tofu, ideally both!Favourite music Bjork, Burial, Chic, Craig David, Groove Armada, Moonwiring Club, Phillippe Jaroussky, Scissor Sisters, Time AttendantFavourite singing project I've taken part in Singing in ‘A Nightingale Sang’ by John Browne at the Queen Elizabeth Hall led by Suzi Zumpe, we were a choir supporting singers from a variety of mental health community settings Head of Grants Zoe Kilb I oversee the grant-making cycle (from setting up funding rounds through to processing final evaluation reports) and I coordinate the work of the 5 Grants & Learning Officers. I was previously a Senior Grants & Learning Officer – looking after South West, East of England & East Midlands for nearly 4 years – so I have good knowledge about these regions. I also take a lead on our Early Years priority area, and I am fairly well connected in the Early Years music making community! Pronouns she/herFavourite album Tuesday Night Music ClubFavourite podcast The ParapodFavourite book Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow by Peter Høeg Pagination First page « First Previous page Page 1 Page 2 Current page 3
Grants & Learning Officer Sam Harvey I am the Grants & Learning Officer for the North East and Scotland. I look after a portfolio of around 50 funded partners, and support new applicants through their grant application, delivery and reporting stages. Pronouns he/himFavourite album On the Beach – Neil YoungFavourite artist Kurt VileFavourite gig Anything at End of the Road festival, most recently Wu-Lu or Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Programme Manager Sam Scott I lead on the day-to-day delivery and management of Youth Music’s grant programmes, and coordinate the work of direct reports and the team to ensure quality and satisfaction against our grant making principles. I also have responsibility for a range of initiatives, including new fund development and driving the implementation of our organisation-wide youth voice and participation strategy. Pronouns he/himMemorable gig Lankum at Barbican 2023Pointless skill Stone skimmingFavourite place Scottish Highlands Trustee Sarah Brown Sarah is the national programme lead for children and young people’s mental health at NHS England. With over 20 years’ experience in public sector children’s services, Sarah has been at the forefront of developing and delivering public policy, leading strategic commissioning and driving large-scale transformational change at a national, sub-regional and local level. Pronouns she/herFavourite album right now 11 by SaultFavourite gig Portishead at Brixton AcademyFavourite place North Yorkshire coast Grants & Learning Officer Sprout Grooters I’m the Grants & Learning Officer for the East and West Midlands. I look after a portfolio of around 60 grassroots organisations across the Midlands and in my day-to-day I support funded partners throughout the application, delivery, and reporting process, while also advising potential applicants. Pronouns They/themFavourite snack Homemade cheese toastieFavourite karaoke song Wuthering Heights - Kate BushFavourite recent gig ML Buch and Astrid Sonne at the ICA Marketing and Communications Officer Tim Spalding I create and manage content for our website and newsletters, ensuring our mission is communicated effectively. I have experience working for purposeful organisations and charities alongside volunteering with The Listening Place. I'm passionate about supporting Youth Music to create a more inclusive and diverse future in music. Pronouns he/himFavourite artists Yves Tumor, Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, David ByrneFavourite TV show The Thick of ItGuilty pleasure Robbie Williams Database Administrator Victoria Opitz My role is to look after, and help people get the most out of the databases here at Youth Music, working alongside the very helpful super users. Pronouns she/herFavourite food anything spicy or with tofu, ideally both!Favourite music Bjork, Burial, Chic, Craig David, Groove Armada, Moonwiring Club, Phillippe Jaroussky, Scissor Sisters, Time AttendantFavourite singing project I've taken part in Singing in ‘A Nightingale Sang’ by John Browne at the Queen Elizabeth Hall led by Suzi Zumpe, we were a choir supporting singers from a variety of mental health community settings Head of Grants Zoe Kilb I oversee the grant-making cycle (from setting up funding rounds through to processing final evaluation reports) and I coordinate the work of the 5 Grants & Learning Officers. I was previously a Senior Grants & Learning Officer – looking after South West, East of England & East Midlands for nearly 4 years – so I have good knowledge about these regions. I also take a lead on our Early Years priority area, and I am fairly well connected in the Early Years music making community! Pronouns she/herFavourite album Tuesday Night Music ClubFavourite podcast The ParapodFavourite book Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow by Peter Høeg Pagination First page « First Previous page Page 1 Page 2 Current page 3
Programme Manager Sam Scott I lead on the day-to-day delivery and management of Youth Music’s grant programmes, and coordinate the work of direct reports and the team to ensure quality and satisfaction against our grant making principles. I also have responsibility for a range of initiatives, including new fund development and driving the implementation of our organisation-wide youth voice and participation strategy. Pronouns he/himMemorable gig Lankum at Barbican 2023Pointless skill Stone skimmingFavourite place Scottish Highlands Trustee Sarah Brown Sarah is the national programme lead for children and young people’s mental health at NHS England. With over 20 years’ experience in public sector children’s services, Sarah has been at the forefront of developing and delivering public policy, leading strategic commissioning and driving large-scale transformational change at a national, sub-regional and local level. Pronouns she/herFavourite album right now 11 by SaultFavourite gig Portishead at Brixton AcademyFavourite place North Yorkshire coast Grants & Learning Officer Sprout Grooters I’m the Grants & Learning Officer for the East and West Midlands. I look after a portfolio of around 60 grassroots organisations across the Midlands and in my day-to-day I support funded partners throughout the application, delivery, and reporting process, while also advising potential applicants. Pronouns They/themFavourite snack Homemade cheese toastieFavourite karaoke song Wuthering Heights - Kate BushFavourite recent gig ML Buch and Astrid Sonne at the ICA Marketing and Communications Officer Tim Spalding I create and manage content for our website and newsletters, ensuring our mission is communicated effectively. I have experience working for purposeful organisations and charities alongside volunteering with The Listening Place. I'm passionate about supporting Youth Music to create a more inclusive and diverse future in music. Pronouns he/himFavourite artists Yves Tumor, Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, David ByrneFavourite TV show The Thick of ItGuilty pleasure Robbie Williams Database Administrator Victoria Opitz My role is to look after, and help people get the most out of the databases here at Youth Music, working alongside the very helpful super users. Pronouns she/herFavourite food anything spicy or with tofu, ideally both!Favourite music Bjork, Burial, Chic, Craig David, Groove Armada, Moonwiring Club, Phillippe Jaroussky, Scissor Sisters, Time AttendantFavourite singing project I've taken part in Singing in ‘A Nightingale Sang’ by John Browne at the Queen Elizabeth Hall led by Suzi Zumpe, we were a choir supporting singers from a variety of mental health community settings Head of Grants Zoe Kilb I oversee the grant-making cycle (from setting up funding rounds through to processing final evaluation reports) and I coordinate the work of the 5 Grants & Learning Officers. I was previously a Senior Grants & Learning Officer – looking after South West, East of England & East Midlands for nearly 4 years – so I have good knowledge about these regions. I also take a lead on our Early Years priority area, and I am fairly well connected in the Early Years music making community! Pronouns she/herFavourite album Tuesday Night Music ClubFavourite podcast The ParapodFavourite book Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow by Peter Høeg Pagination First page « First Previous page Page 1 Page 2 Current page 3
Trustee Sarah Brown Sarah is the national programme lead for children and young people’s mental health at NHS England. With over 20 years’ experience in public sector children’s services, Sarah has been at the forefront of developing and delivering public policy, leading strategic commissioning and driving large-scale transformational change at a national, sub-regional and local level. Pronouns she/herFavourite album right now 11 by SaultFavourite gig Portishead at Brixton AcademyFavourite place North Yorkshire coast Grants & Learning Officer Sprout Grooters I’m the Grants & Learning Officer for the East and West Midlands. I look after a portfolio of around 60 grassroots organisations across the Midlands and in my day-to-day I support funded partners throughout the application, delivery, and reporting process, while also advising potential applicants. Pronouns They/themFavourite snack Homemade cheese toastieFavourite karaoke song Wuthering Heights - Kate BushFavourite recent gig ML Buch and Astrid Sonne at the ICA Marketing and Communications Officer Tim Spalding I create and manage content for our website and newsletters, ensuring our mission is communicated effectively. I have experience working for purposeful organisations and charities alongside volunteering with The Listening Place. I'm passionate about supporting Youth Music to create a more inclusive and diverse future in music. Pronouns he/himFavourite artists Yves Tumor, Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, David ByrneFavourite TV show The Thick of ItGuilty pleasure Robbie Williams Database Administrator Victoria Opitz My role is to look after, and help people get the most out of the databases here at Youth Music, working alongside the very helpful super users. Pronouns she/herFavourite food anything spicy or with tofu, ideally both!Favourite music Bjork, Burial, Chic, Craig David, Groove Armada, Moonwiring Club, Phillippe Jaroussky, Scissor Sisters, Time AttendantFavourite singing project I've taken part in Singing in ‘A Nightingale Sang’ by John Browne at the Queen Elizabeth Hall led by Suzi Zumpe, we were a choir supporting singers from a variety of mental health community settings Head of Grants Zoe Kilb I oversee the grant-making cycle (from setting up funding rounds through to processing final evaluation reports) and I coordinate the work of the 5 Grants & Learning Officers. I was previously a Senior Grants & Learning Officer – looking after South West, East of England & East Midlands for nearly 4 years – so I have good knowledge about these regions. I also take a lead on our Early Years priority area, and I am fairly well connected in the Early Years music making community! Pronouns she/herFavourite album Tuesday Night Music ClubFavourite podcast The ParapodFavourite book Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow by Peter Høeg Pagination First page « First Previous page Page 1 Page 2 Current page 3
Grants & Learning Officer Sprout Grooters I’m the Grants & Learning Officer for the East and West Midlands. I look after a portfolio of around 60 grassroots organisations across the Midlands and in my day-to-day I support funded partners throughout the application, delivery, and reporting process, while also advising potential applicants. Pronouns They/themFavourite snack Homemade cheese toastieFavourite karaoke song Wuthering Heights - Kate BushFavourite recent gig ML Buch and Astrid Sonne at the ICA Marketing and Communications Officer Tim Spalding I create and manage content for our website and newsletters, ensuring our mission is communicated effectively. I have experience working for purposeful organisations and charities alongside volunteering with The Listening Place. I'm passionate about supporting Youth Music to create a more inclusive and diverse future in music. Pronouns he/himFavourite artists Yves Tumor, Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, David ByrneFavourite TV show The Thick of ItGuilty pleasure Robbie Williams Database Administrator Victoria Opitz My role is to look after, and help people get the most out of the databases here at Youth Music, working alongside the very helpful super users. Pronouns she/herFavourite food anything spicy or with tofu, ideally both!Favourite music Bjork, Burial, Chic, Craig David, Groove Armada, Moonwiring Club, Phillippe Jaroussky, Scissor Sisters, Time AttendantFavourite singing project I've taken part in Singing in ‘A Nightingale Sang’ by John Browne at the Queen Elizabeth Hall led by Suzi Zumpe, we were a choir supporting singers from a variety of mental health community settings Head of Grants Zoe Kilb I oversee the grant-making cycle (from setting up funding rounds through to processing final evaluation reports) and I coordinate the work of the 5 Grants & Learning Officers. I was previously a Senior Grants & Learning Officer – looking after South West, East of England & East Midlands for nearly 4 years – so I have good knowledge about these regions. I also take a lead on our Early Years priority area, and I am fairly well connected in the Early Years music making community! Pronouns she/herFavourite album Tuesday Night Music ClubFavourite podcast The ParapodFavourite book Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow by Peter Høeg Pagination First page « First Previous page Page 1 Page 2 Current page 3
Marketing and Communications Officer Tim Spalding I create and manage content for our website and newsletters, ensuring our mission is communicated effectively. I have experience working for purposeful organisations and charities alongside volunteering with The Listening Place. I'm passionate about supporting Youth Music to create a more inclusive and diverse future in music. Pronouns he/himFavourite artists Yves Tumor, Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, David ByrneFavourite TV show The Thick of ItGuilty pleasure Robbie Williams Database Administrator Victoria Opitz My role is to look after, and help people get the most out of the databases here at Youth Music, working alongside the very helpful super users. Pronouns she/herFavourite food anything spicy or with tofu, ideally both!Favourite music Bjork, Burial, Chic, Craig David, Groove Armada, Moonwiring Club, Phillippe Jaroussky, Scissor Sisters, Time AttendantFavourite singing project I've taken part in Singing in ‘A Nightingale Sang’ by John Browne at the Queen Elizabeth Hall led by Suzi Zumpe, we were a choir supporting singers from a variety of mental health community settings Head of Grants Zoe Kilb I oversee the grant-making cycle (from setting up funding rounds through to processing final evaluation reports) and I coordinate the work of the 5 Grants & Learning Officers. I was previously a Senior Grants & Learning Officer – looking after South West, East of England & East Midlands for nearly 4 years – so I have good knowledge about these regions. I also take a lead on our Early Years priority area, and I am fairly well connected in the Early Years music making community! Pronouns she/herFavourite album Tuesday Night Music ClubFavourite podcast The ParapodFavourite book Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow by Peter Høeg Pagination First page « First Previous page Page 1 Page 2 Current page 3
Database Administrator Victoria Opitz My role is to look after, and help people get the most out of the databases here at Youth Music, working alongside the very helpful super users. Pronouns she/herFavourite food anything spicy or with tofu, ideally both!Favourite music Bjork, Burial, Chic, Craig David, Groove Armada, Moonwiring Club, Phillippe Jaroussky, Scissor Sisters, Time AttendantFavourite singing project I've taken part in Singing in ‘A Nightingale Sang’ by John Browne at the Queen Elizabeth Hall led by Suzi Zumpe, we were a choir supporting singers from a variety of mental health community settings Head of Grants Zoe Kilb I oversee the grant-making cycle (from setting up funding rounds through to processing final evaluation reports) and I coordinate the work of the 5 Grants & Learning Officers. I was previously a Senior Grants & Learning Officer – looking after South West, East of England & East Midlands for nearly 4 years – so I have good knowledge about these regions. I also take a lead on our Early Years priority area, and I am fairly well connected in the Early Years music making community! Pronouns she/herFavourite album Tuesday Night Music ClubFavourite podcast The ParapodFavourite book Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow by Peter Høeg Pagination First page « First Previous page Page 1 Page 2 Current page 3
Head of Grants Zoe Kilb I oversee the grant-making cycle (from setting up funding rounds through to processing final evaluation reports) and I coordinate the work of the 5 Grants & Learning Officers. I was previously a Senior Grants & Learning Officer – looking after South West, East of England & East Midlands for nearly 4 years – so I have good knowledge about these regions. I also take a lead on our Early Years priority area, and I am fairly well connected in the Early Years music making community! Pronouns she/herFavourite album Tuesday Night Music ClubFavourite podcast The ParapodFavourite book Miss Smilla’s Feeling for Snow by Peter Høeg
