Music Cares:

#MusicCan Create Opportunities

Launched in 2018 and working with Birmingham Virtual School our Music Cares programme supports around 100 children in care across Birmingham, each year. Initially working with children in year 4 and year 7, the project now supports with children in care in years 4 through to 11.

Through the project, our music teachers engage participants in music opportunities they choose to be part of, including lessons and performances, helping individuals develop their musical talent and confidence.

Music making helps vulnerable children knock down barriers that they either face or put up themselves. It builds their confidence and communication skills, empowering them to transform their lives for the better.  Involvement in the project also helps them positively engage with the world around them, particularly with school and adults working with them.

‘She has been really enjoying her lessons over the last 5 years, and has gone from being very shy, and nervous about playing (and socially) to being really confident. She hasn’t taken any exams, but is playing around grade 2 standard, and we’ve been playing lots of music that she has chosen.’ – SFE Music Teacher.

Birmingham Inclusive Choir:

#MusicCan Bring Joy 

Our Birmingham Inclusive Choir is a special group, bringing together children and young people under the age of 25 with disabilities. Led by experienced Choir Leads the group comes together to develop their singing and music making skills based on their own needs and abilities.

Set up in December 2021,  working with national charity Soundabout and successfully running alongside the West Midlands Inclusive Choir, monthly sessions prove invaluable to members, and their families, offering a safe space to develop personal pride, make friends and share in the fun of singing and music making – even more so when they have the opportunity to take to the stage.

‘Archie loves group sessions, being with people, watching people interact and taking part in a shared activity. He watches as much as he actively partakes in the sessions and can be quiet whilst he takes it all in, but he’ll sing the songs in the car on the way home! We sing the songs together and they are a brilliant reset if either of us is feeling tired or fed-up. Archie seeks both people and music. He loves live music, and having Helen on keyboard and Martin walking around with his guitar make the sessions extra special.’ – Inclusive Choir Member Archie’s mum.

SFE Community Choirs:

#MusicCan Bring People Together

Our Community Choir brings music to the older generation, some of whom are facing illness, isolation and loneliness. Weekly singing takes place in local retirement villages, offering residents opportunities to meet others, make friends and sing their hearts out.

As well as the social benefits, being part of the group offers physical benefits too, including breathing control and mobility, supporting the overall wellbeing of participants. With singing groups based in multiple locations, we now enjoy bringing members together to meet people outside of their own villages in collaborative performances and social events.

‘For me, it’s therapy as I have Parkinsons. Music and singing help me control it, the louder and faster the better, so being part of the group and singing with others really helps.’ – Irene (Solihull Group Member).