Give the Gift of Music This March…
“Everyone was included and no one was left out.”
With music increasingly squeezed from the curriculum, many children will never experience the joy of learning an instrument unless they come from privileged backgrounds. For the last 3 years Lichfield Festival has been working to change this, and currently provides free, high‑quality instrumental lessons to over 250 pupils across Staffordshire thanks to the generosity of our current supporters.
This March, we’re on a mission to raise £26,000, which will both enable our current cohort of pupils to continue their tuition, and allow us to deliver lessons in even more schools. But we’re not alone! As part of The Big Give’s ‘Arts For Impact’ campaign, match funding will be available from 17th – 24th March. This means that while funds are available, your donation will be doubled, making twice the impact.
Why this matters
Following a 21% decrease in state school music provision in the last 5 years (BPI), and a 36% reduction in music hub funding since 2012 (MU), children from low-income families are now half as likely to learn an instrument compared to their peers. With 20% of all children aged 8-16 also now having a probable mental disorder (NHS), those without access to instrumental music lessons miss out on the formative development of soft skills, creativity, improved wellbeing, and the lifelong joy of music.
This project removes financial barriers, contributing to our mission of enhancing lives through music. In collaboration with Entrust Music Service, we will offer primary school children, aged 7 to 11, access to instruments, free lessons and performance opportunities at Lichfield Festival. At least half of all participating schools will be above the national average for Free Schools Meals. This will support pupils’ mental wellbeing and the development of their creative and educational potential.
“They spent an hour each week making music together, all beginning as equals with no knowledge of playing brass instruments, no barriers created by their academic ability nor by the financial restraints of their parents.” – School Music Lead
Get involved
Will you support us in our campaign to empower young people through the magic of music?
The Big Give runs from midday on Tuesday 17th March to midday on Tuesday 24th March. Only donations made through The Big Give website will be doubled!