What does music mean to our Youth Advisory Board?

Music plays a role in all our lives. Whether you listen to music, sing, dance, or play an instrument – you’ll know that it can evoke belonging, comfort, nostalgia, energy, and empowerment.   

And today is World Music Day! This annual festival celebrates the power of music and all its benefits. It’s a chance to connect communities and create spaces for children, young people and adults to rejoice in the creativity and embrace the wellbeing that music can bring. 

Let’s Create sets out our vision that everyone’s creativity, in and outside of music, is valued and given the opportunity to flourish. In particular, we believe that the experience, needs and wants of young people should be at the centre of decisions and conversations about their engagement with music. That’s why, since 2021, we’ve been piloting our Youth Advisory Board. The board is a group of 19 young people working with our colleagues to place the voices of children and young people at the heart of everything we do.  

To celebrate World Music Day 2023, our Youth Advisory Board have shared their profound personal experiences of music and what it means to their past, present and futures. 

Rumbi

Hello, my name is Rumbi and I’m based in Manchester! 

When asked what music means to me, I thought about this photograph of me performing at Tramlines Festival 2022. This moment was significant because I was able to put everything I’ve learnt so far on my musical journey into this festival performance.  

For me, music is all about self-discovery. Whenever I get a chance to create music and perform with other musicians, it makes me feel alive! 

Lizzie

Hi, I’m Lizzie, from Darlington. I’m a writer and illustrator who loves stories. 

Music influences everything I do, including my poetry. My journey into spoken word is directly related to the music I listen to and allows me to explore the power of rhythm.  

Contemplating what music meant to me unlocked memories. Through following the beat of my own footsteps, I composed these poetry pieces in response. 

Listen to Lizzie’s poem Music Memory > 

Read Lizzie’s poem Music Memory >

Listen to Lizzie’s poem The Music of the North > 

Read Lizzie’s poem The Music of the North > 

Bryony 

Hi, I’m Bryony and I’m based in Morecambe. 

Music means a great deal to me – it’s rooted in my friend and family backgrounds. Myself, my Mum and my Dad all grew up around classical music, and my Grandad’s passionate about his Irish music and culture too. Plus, one of my close friends is a composer, and I’ve been lucky enough to attend their rehearsals, concerts, and tours across the country. My Dad’s even toured around Germany with his own music! 

Personally, I love a mixture of music because I’ve been brought up around pop, classical and lots more! Platforms like Spotify and YouTube help me stay connected and my favourite pastime is listening to music on the radio, in the car or at home.  

Music is everything to me and I don’t know what I would do without it. 

Music is key to enriching the lives of children and young people, and ensuring they can fulfil their creative potential. We’re helping all children and young people in England discover the power of music by working with the Department for Education to invest over £76 million per year in new Music Hubs – building on the successes of the current Hubs programme and helping us further connect and collaborate.  

Learn more in the blog by Richard Russell, our Chief Operating Officer > 

In our new National Portfolio we’re investing over £375.5 million annually for three years in organisations delivering work for children and young people. 

Find out more about our investment in children and young people > 

Whether you head to a music concert, bob along to a beat, or simply embrace the ambient sounds from your neighbourhood – how will you celebrate World Music Day? Let us know on Twitter!