work IN SCHOOLS

Since 2017, Chineke! musicians have been regularly visiting schools to perform and hold workshops for young aspiring classical musicians. So far, our workshops have taken place in London, Birmingham, Bristol and even Rotterdam, reaching at least 4,000 young people.

Workshops are stimulating and informative, catering to the age and level of experience of each group. These interactive sessions allow for direct participation from the young people, while the professional musicians offer guidance through technique, improvisation, composing and confidence building.

Another key component of these sessions is to broaden the scope of knowledge about historical and contemporary Black and ethnically diverse composers. Participants learn of the work of Joseph Boulogne, Ignatius Sancho, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Errollyn Wallen to name but a few. In doing so, we hope to expand the notion of the ‘classical music canon.’

These formative experiences of seeing and hearing professional musicians perform can be powerfully inspirational for young people, especially those who are not familiar with classical music or are seeking Black and ethnically diverse role models.

Teachers have noted how far the young musicians have progressed in ability and confidence as a result of these sessions with Chineke! musicians. As one teacher remarked, they have now developed “…a greater sense of ownership of their instruments.”