Changing Young Lives Through Music

At Nucleo, we are proud to continue offering a free, immersive, and comprehensive, after-school ensemble-based programme that changes lives and builds communities through music – all thanks to donors and supporters like you! 

Our students are working hard developing much more than musical skills – strengthening their independence, confidence, resilience, emotional regulation and teamwork. We are excited to learn from students about the impact of our work. Last year, 89% reported feeling connected to others at Nucleo, 94% said they take responsibility for what they need to do at Nucleo, and 89% believe in their ability to achieve their musical goals. We hope that the life skills they are building will serve them well in all they go on to do. One student (aged 13) shared “I am grateful to everyone at Nucleo for all their hard work to help all of us become better in every way.” 

The new school year is now well underway, and this year we are working with over 400 students, six days a week! It has been a busy start - from new 3 and 4-year-olds joining our musicianship classes, to last year’s beginners moving into full orchestras, and our most advanced students preparing for their own recital in December.

All of this is made possible thanks to your generous support. 85% of Nucleo families live in the lowest income 50% of neighbourhoods nationally, and 51% in the most deprived two deciles. The life skills, community building and personal development that you make possible for our students through your investment are truly incredible. But we are just as grateful for the sheer joy your generosity brings to the Nucleo community by enabling happy moments and wonderful experiences for our young musicians. A parent recently expressed, “My child’s attendance at Nucleo has brought immense joy and pride to our family”. Thank you for standing with us and making this all possible.

Nucleo is the only organisation of its kind in England – free, immersive, and comprehensive, focused on changing lives and building community through music.

Founded in North Kensington in 2013, our ensemble-based after-school music programme now works with over 450 students aged 0 to 20, six days a week.

At Nucleo, students are not just developing musical ability; they are also practising life skills and building connections and friendships. Our methods foster self-sufficiency, independence, and confidence, helping students tackle challenges at school and home, as reflected in their feedback and that of their carers.

Thanks to your generous support, Nucleo currently has over 450 students taking their first musical steps or learning one or more of 17 orchestral instruments to a high standard. In the 2022-23 year, 85% of those who took ABRSM exams achieved merit or distinction. We also have a solid track record in helping the most able young musicians reach elite levels: five students were accepted into the Royal College of Music Junior Department in September 2023, the most recent of several intakes.

Your support benefits children in disadvantaged communities: over 85% of our families live in the poorest 50% of neighbourhoods nationally, according to the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index. Music education mitigates the negative impacts of poverty, enhancing language acquisition, executive function, teamwork, empathy, emotional regulation, and self-confidence.

Every act of kindness is an investment that changes the lives of Nucleo’s young musicians and their community. We sincerely thank you for making this vision a reality.

Links:

• Our Website
• Our Impact