London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) is one of the world’s leading orchestras made up of accomplished players, conducts and soloists. Alongside delivering excellent performances, they run a learning and engagement programme, LSO Discovery, which includes a project entitled On Track.
Since 2018, we’ve supported LSO’s On Track programme to increase the number of high-quality musical opportunities available to young people in East London. This has a significant impact on the creative and educational development of young people by providing specialised support.
Through collaborating with local schools and music services, LSO enriches in-school music lessons and provides exceptional training for students from diverse socio-economic areas. Our funding has been used to give students in Tower Hamlets the opportunity to take part in workshops, coaching, live performances, and many more training opportunities.
LSO has a strong commitment to music education with over 60,000 people benefiting every year from its award-winning education and community programme, LSO Discovery. As such, more young people from Tower Hamlets are inspired to fulfil their creative potential as well as being encouraged to engage in the music and arts.
An important part of the On Track programme is giving teachers the skills and confidence needed to deliver high-quality music lessons in the classroom. This support allows teachers to feel better placed to develop their students’ creative skills through musical instruments.
Alongside working with local schools, LSO has a strong partnership with governmental Music Education Hubs to ensure music services are meeting the specific needs of young people in each borough. Their long-standing relationships allows them to positively impact the lives of many young people in London.
There are many activities for young people to get involved with on the On Track programme. Whilst there is a diverse range of projects on offer, they all share the shared goal of advancing the next generations potential through their ongoing engagement with classical music.
One of the initiatives offered by LSO is Music in the Classroom which is a year-long structured training programme for primary school students and their teachers. It consists of LSO musicians teaching 18 sessions about musical instruments, composition, and creative leadership.
Key Stage Concerts are also held for children aged 5 to 11 at the Barbican theatre in the City of London to engage and challenge young listeners. The concerts and fun and interactional to give student’s an enjoyable first experience of listening to live classical music.
‘I have progressed my skills when playing in a group and met lots of people with similar interests.’ – Young Musician
For young people who are interested in developing their musical abilities at a higher level, LSO also has an East London Academy that launched in 2019. Here LSO musicians offer high-level training to young musicians to accelerate their instrumental learning, confidence, and future aspirations.
Similar to this, Next Generation is a creative ensemble that gives young people the opportunity to work with LSO musicians to develop new music. With guidance, young musicians are given the opportunity to explore new ideas by making compositional decisions and taking musical risks.
LSO also provides music opportunities for students with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities through bespoke activities and workshops. Learning music has many advantages for all young people as it can help to raise their self-esteem, communication skills, and focus.
LSO On Track is a collaborative programme that aims to improve the number of high-quality music activities available to children and young people in East London.
Young people can develop their musical and creative skills through a wide variety of targeted projects delivered by specialist’s workshop leaders and professional LSO musicians.
We’re delighted to have supported such an important and inspiring programme.
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