RNCM Engage West Cumbria

This five-year programme of delivery and interventions aims to boost the provision of music education and engagement for under 18’s across West Cumbria, providing access to a programme of world-class tuition, tailored support, and CPD for teachers based in Cumbria.

The project has been made possible by a transformational philanthropic gift from the Benny Walker Charitable Trust. This significant investment (over five years from 2023 to 2028) enabled a new five-year project. Collaboration and co-curation between the RNCM and a range of local partners (including Cumbria Music Hub), schools, and educational institutions, is enhancing young people’s access to high quality music education and training, leaving a lasting musical legacy for the area. (See launch announcement at RNCM receives transformational funding to boost music education in west Cumbria – Royal Northern College of Music). 

RNCM Engage West Cumbria is a bold and distinctive project that responds directly to the needs of different areas and communities of West Cumbria, and sees young people explore, experience, and enjoy music unhindered irrespective of their background or personal circumstances.

Extensive consultation with local music leaders, groups, and schools established three key pillars to create deep and meaningful place-based work in West Cumbria:

• Building initial activities for first access and to raise attainment
• Providing progression routes for young people to move to the next stage of learning
• Workforce development to create a network of highly skilled music teachers

Over the first two years of delivery (starting 2023):

• 3,441 children and young people from local schools participated in musical activities;
• 31 schools and groups have engaged in workshops and other activities;
• 5 youth and community bands have taken part in workshops and performances;
• 36 RNCM students have supported musical activities with children and young people;
• 80 instrumental lessons were delivered to children and young people who may otherwise not have had access to musical tuition; and
• 4 Cumbrian music teachers and leaders have received financial support to undertake a RNCM Master of Education (MEd) qualification, equipping them with the skills and confidence to bring musical tuition to children and young people across the county (with an additional 4 starting in Sept 26).

For more information about RNCM Engage West Cumbria please contact Philip Goodwin at [email protected]