Rocksteady's mission is to amplify children's self-belief through inclusive music education. Delivering in-school band programmes to over 135,000 children each week, Rocksteady is also the UK's largest employer of full-time, permanent musicians, with hundreds of band leaders working in schools nationwide.

Through its Foundation, Rocksteady provides over £4 million of free music education every year, reaching some of the most disadvantaged children and those facing difficult circumstances through free charity workshops and funded in-school places.

Blue Cabin - This Is The Place

North East

Blue Cabin’s This is the Place project uses music to help care-experienced babies and young children build stronger relationships with the adults who care for them. Developed with local authorities in North East England, the trauma-informed programme combines music-making, training and family resources to support attachment, communication and emotional development. Since 2023, it has reached hundreds of children and carers, with its innovative approach now embedded within local authority services, helping ensure music becomes part of every child’s story and sense of belonging.

Carousel - The Rock House

South East

Carousel’s Rock House project is a long-running live music event in Brighton that creates meaningful performance opportunities for learning disabled musicians. Delivered by Carousel since 2010, Rock House brings together learning disabled and non-learning disabled artists on the same stage, helping build a more inclusive local music scene. More than just a gig, it’s a welcoming community where people can be themselves, make connections and enjoy live music in a safe, supportive environment. With audiences of around 120 per event, Rock House continues to champion access, representation and belonging through music.

Conscious Youth C.I.C - Elevation Music

Yorkshire & The Humber

Elevation Music by Conscious Youth C.I.C is a youth-led music programme created in response to what young people in Kirklees said was missing from their local music scene. Delivered by Conscious Youth C.I.C through HD Sounds, it gives 16 to 25-year-olds access to songwriting, production, recording, live performance and music industry skills. Young people have created a community EP with more than 54,000 streams, performed at major events and gained access to professional studios and industry networks. More than a programme, Elevation Music is creating lasting pathways into music for young people who have traditionally faced barriers to opportunity.

Jack Drum Arts - Growing Green Music

North East

Growing Green Music by Jack Drum Arts is a youth-led music programme that turns creative participation into leadership, progression and real-world opportunities. Based in County Durham, it supports thousands of young people through inclusive music-making, mentoring and performance, with pathways from participant to facilitator and professional artist. At its heart is the award-winning BOP Fest, a free youth-led music and climate festival that has welcomed around 10,000 people. Through a strong focus on wellbeing, belonging and accessibility, Growing Green Music is helping young people build confidence, skills and lasting futures in music and beyond.

Jubacana - Music Futures

North West

Jubacana’s Music Futures is a music and movement project in Oldham that uses Carnival-inspired music to help young people build confidence, creativity and leadership skills. Since 2014, it has created an inclusive space where young people, particularly neurodivergent creatives, can develop as musicians, facilitators and leaders. Combining Afro-Brazilian percussion with the diverse influences of its members, Jubacana is recognised nationally for its innovative youth leadership model, with young people shaping and delivering the programme while creating clear pathways into music, employment and creative careers.