Rocksteady’s mission is to amplify children’s self-belief through inclusive music education. They deliver in-school band lessons to over 100,000 children each week, aiming to make music accessible and transformative. 

Rocksteady also provides over £2 million of free teaching annually and employs hundreds of band leaders, making them the UK’s largest employer of full-time permanent musicians.

Offshoots East Midlands C.I.C

Circle of Light (COL), East Midlands

Circle of Light is a youth-led creative community transforming the music industry from the grassroots up. With a focus on mental health, inclusion, and accessibility, they’ve released five collaborative albums, launched Nottingham’s first youth- and female-led studio, and pioneered peer-led qualifications. Their work empowers young creatives to lead, perform, and educate - building careers, confidence, and community through music across the UK.

Conscious Youth C.I.C

Elevation Music, Yorkshire & The Humber

Conscious Youth C.I.C is a youth-led organisation empowering marginalised young people through creativity. In just two years, they launched HD Sounds - the region’s first youth-led music production house - developed artist programmes, built a recording studio, and created new performance opportunities. Their bold, self-initiated response to unmet community needs is transforming lives, building confidence, and reshaping access to music education and industry pathways.

Magic Acorns

SeaGarden, East of England

Magic Acorns is a pioneering early years arts organisation creating nurturing, creative spaces for babies, children, families, and artists. Through projects like SeaGarden and their new dedicated venue, they support artists exploring music and movement with 0–3-year-olds. Their reflective, play-based approach fosters deep connections and artistic growth.

Soundabout

Soundabout Emerging Leaders, South East

Soundabout’s Emerging Leaders programme empowers learning disabled young people to become inclusive music leaders. Through accredited training, hands-on placements, and participant-led design, it builds skills, confidence, and employment pathways in a sector where representation is lacking. With 26 graduates to date, the programme is redefining leadership and accessibility in music, proving that learning disabled young people can lead, inspire, and shape the future of inclusive creative practice.

Soundplay

The Ambient Arcade, Scotland

Soundplay creates accessible, sensory music experiences for young people with additional needs. Their Ambient Arcade installation blends music, sound, and animation through playful, inclusive technology inspired by vintage games and electronic music. Developed through community workshops and responsive design, the Arcade has toured across Scotland and beyond, offering groundbreaking, joyful opportunities for creative expression and communication through sound.