Lewisham Music is an award-winning youth charity and a Principal Partner in South East London Music Hub.
Working alongside local and national partners, we deliver and support a diverse range of musical opportunities in schools and communities across Lewisham.
Our vision
We want every child and young person in Lewisham to experience the power of music through accessible, inclusive programmes that inspire creativity and confidence. We believe music can unlock potential and build happier, healthier communities.
“Music is my form of expression, whether it is happiness or sadness, and it has changed my life!”
Jermaine, age 15
Our values
We prioritise the needs, abilities, and interests of young people, empowering them to actively shape their own musical journey.
We actively listen to the voices of young people, parents, carers, and communities, ensuring their input shapes the future of our programmes and the charity’s direction.
We deliver high-quality, authentic learning experiences led by professional musicians and educators, ensuring every interaction is enriching and impactful.
We are committed to breaking down barriers to participation, making music education accessible and equitable for all young people, regardless of background or circumstance.
We honour and embrace the rich diversity of our community, respecting the identities, cultures, and unique perspectives of the young people we serve.
We are dedicated to ongoing learning and professional development, continuously evolving our offer to remain innovative and relevant.
We strive to ensure that our programmes are financially sustainable and deliver long-term impact. Additionally, we are dedicated to minimising the environmental footprint of our work.
What do we do?
We aim to...
Give every child and young person the opportunity to learn and make music
Support young musicians to explore their musicality by providing them with instruments and equipment
Offer young musicians the opportunity to progress their musical journey though opportunities in their community
Give young musicians the opportunity to make music with their peers
Teach young musicians about the ‘building blocks of music’ through musicality and music theory lessons
Provide inspirational performance opportunities for young musicians in venues across the borough and beyond
We do this by offering...
Professional Music Tutors in schools, SEND and alternative provision settings and community spaces
Individual, small group and whole class programmes
A wide variety of instrumental learning, covering everything from violin to clarinet and Djembe
Ensembles, choirs and bands in schools and the community covering a range of styles (rock, jazz, classical, Samba, R&B and more)
Instrument hire
Access to musical resources including e-learning and music production software
Live events, gig and concerts
Vocal/singing tuition
Rap & Lyricism tuition
Music Production programmes
Music Technology and Assistive Music Technology
Professional musical experiences with partner organisations
Access to musical exam opportunities supported by professional accompanists.
Creative holiday programmes like Lewisham Junior Orchestra, Animate Orchestra and Fellowship Music Collective
We aim to...
Prioritise equity of access to help children and young people overcome barriers
Put children and young people’s needs, ideas and decisions at the heart of our work
Offer creative spaces where children and young people can express themselves, socialise and explore though music
Support the development and progression of young musicians through support, advice and signposting
Celebrate the history and culture of our community
Use music to promote positive wellbeing and mental health
We do this by offering...
Bursary programmes to make music education accessible for all families, including partnerships with London Music Fund and Young Sounds UK Connect, and mentoring and family support
Co-production opportunities
Paid opportunities for Young Producers, allowing them to research, advocate and produce content (such as the award-winning podcast Front Line Young Minds)
The Music Connector role, offering bespoke information advice and guidance to support families and young musicians in their musical journey
Place-based musical programmes which explore the history of our community
Mental-health programmes such as the award-wining Sonic Minds
Creative music programmes allowing people to create their own music and write songs individually and in groups
We aim to...
Mentor the next generation of creative professionals
Provide creative industry skills and training
Help young people in Lewisham overcome barriers to the creative industries
Broker access to voluntary and paid experiences in the creative industries
Improve visibility of jobs and other opportunities
Connect young people with inspiring professional role models
We do this by offering...
Creative Futures careers programme, funded by Merchant Taylors’ Foundation, including mentoring, workshops and panel events, and work experience opportunities
Podcasting training, equipment and partnership opportunities
Radio Lewisham, in partnership with Lewisham Young Mayor and Bloomsbury Radio
Bringing music industry professionals to talk about their work with local young people
We aim to...
Work in partnership with organisations locally, regionally and nationally to maximise opportunities for young people
Support smaller organisations in the area to build capacity and create opportunities
Ensure a confident and skilled music education workforce in schools and community settings across the borough
Provide a space for local organisations to work, offer training and engage with the community
We do this by offering...
Continuing Professional Development and training for the music education workforce (Lewisham Music staff, school staff, partner organisations, freelancers)
Networking and Peer Learning for school staff
Professional advice, support and consultancy for school music coordinators, Heads of Music and Senior Leadership Teams
Partnership Forums with local organisations
Consultancy support for the music education and charity sector
Capacity building for local arts organisations through advice and support
Hire of our premises at The Fellowship to local organisations, artists and schools
Joint fundraising initiatives with partner organisations
Hosting Resource For Autism’s Lewisham Autism Hub
Hosting Merchant Taylors’ Foundation’s Community Investment Manager
Hosting local charity Fairbeats!
