Instruments for over 450 young musicians

Nucleo continues to provide musical opportunities to those for whom cost might otherwise be a barrier. In the current climate – where research shows that only half of UK primary schools offer instrumental lessons, many of which last only a year – Nucleo’s programme stands out as something truly special. Thanks to our supporters, we deliver our programme free of charge to young people aged 0–20, ensuring that cost is never an obstacle to sustained musical engagement.

Your generous contributions create the space where our children, young people, and the adults who support them can demonstrate their determination and commitment: Our senior students achieved an impressive 83% average attendance – a remarkable accomplishment given that attendance requires participation three to four times per week!

Our students may come to Nucleo to learn music, but they leave with much more: new connections, confidence, resilience, and the knowledge that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. This confidence enables our students to show courage, even in challenging situations. Our recent assessment data revealed that even the most nervous students performed better when they felt confident in their abilities.

Our young musicians tell us that attending Nucleo has improved their sense of responsibility, independence, and resilience. Most importantly, they report increased confidence – and their parents and teachers agree! As one parent of a 9-year-old Nucleo student shared:

"[My daughter] has improved her technique and sound a lot this year, but what has evolved even more—and what surprises me the most—is her confidence. Even her posture shows that she has empowered herself with her instrument, and that confidence is reflected in everything she does."

Thank you for standing with us and making this all possible.

Links:

• https://www.thenucleoproject.org/

Nucleo is the only organisation of its kind in England – a free, immersive, and comprehensive after-school ensemble-based music programme focused on changing lives and building communities. Founded in 2013 in North Kensington, London, one of the most deprived areas in England, our programme now works with over 450 students six days a week.

Thanks to your generous support, students aged 0 to 20 are 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 music 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.

At Nucleo, students are not just developing musical ability; they are also practising life skills and building connections and friendships. Music education mitigates the negative impacts of poverty, enhancing language acquisition, executive function, teamwork, empathy, emotional regulation, and self-confidence. Evaluations show that Nucleo's methods foster self-sufficiency, independence, and confidence, helping students tackle challenges at school and at home. Carers report positive impacts on their lives, including a deeper appreciation of the arts and broader social connections.

Your generous support benefits disadvantaged communities: over 85% of our families live in the poorest 50% of neighbourhoods nationally, according to the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index.

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

Links:

• Our Website
• Our Facebook page
• Our Impact