Champions
At the start of Year 6, young musicians in our Flagship Schools begin the transition into our Champions programme for 11-18 year olds (formerly Alumni programme). Before they graduate, they participate in workshops developing skills in public speaking and events design, shadow teachers in lessons with younger students as role models, and learn more about their role as advocates for Music Masters while exploring their musical ambitions.
After our Champions graduate, they have access to concerts and ticket offers, performance opportunities as soloists and within ensembles, creative workshops and holiday courses in partnership with outstanding music organisations.
Their most powerful role with us is as an advocate for Music Masters, by showcasing the impact that a great music education can have on a young person’s aspirations and positive development. Our Champions are proof that what we do makes a difference and we couldn’t be more pleased to share our mission with them.
Year 6 & Secondary Transition
Our young musicians graduate from our programme every year in a special ceremony with family and friends. You can hear our Year 6 students perform ‘Hallelujah’ at the 2019 Graduation in this video. We also support their transition by contacting their secondary schools to pass over information on their musical history and ensuring they leave with their instruments. Although they continue to get support from Music Masters as a Champion, it’s important that they take ownership of their musical journeys as they get older. We hope to have opened enough doors for them to feel like music is something they can take with them the rest of their lives.
Advocacy
In April 2019, the Champions created, planned and delivered an advocacy campaign called #SaveOurMusic, taking over Kings Cross Station, the Southbank Centre and Portcullis House at the Houses of Parliament, to perform a pop-up musical performance. Their message was to raise awareness of the important of music in young people’s lives, as well as to highlight the threat against the future of music education that is felt by them, their schools and Music Masters every day.
Graduate Ambassadors
Once our graduates leave secondary education, they are invited to become Graduate Ambassadors and support Music Masters to achieve its strategic aims. They will continue to grow as a thoughtful musician and gain valuable skills and experiences along the way. Some benefits might include performance opportunities, networking possibilities, raising their platform in the sector, and work experience, to name a few.