“If children are not introduced to music at an early age, I believe something fundamental is actually being taken from them” Luciano Pavorotti

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Music Lifeline was set up in Rye, East Sussex in 2023 and worked to find ways to help primary school children – mostly who attend state schools where the need is most in Hastings and surrounding areas – to make music. We recognise that music benefits wellbeing at any age and can be incredibly supportive when started young.

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The work so far includes:

● Sponsoring the Rye Arts Festival 2025 to work with children at Rye Community Primary to prepare them to write and perform songs at the Rye Arts Festival this coming September.

● Sponsoring two music workshops at the Rye Arts Festival (September 2024) where parents and children experimented with a range of different instruments.

● Sponsoring of the Hastings Music Festival to deliver a Singing Schools Showcase (2024 and 2025). Music Lifeline's music specialist visited 10 schools in Hastings to write a school song and perform at a concert at The White Rock Theatre. These songs were written with the pupils and focused on pride, resilience and teamwork.

● Music Lifeline have loaned/given instruments to children who were keen to play but couldn’t access an instrument due to the cost involved. The instruments provided were either new, or donated by musicians who no longer play.

● Music Lifeline continue to run campaigns to keep music on the curriculum in state schools.

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Resources for Parents

Many parents who aren’t musicians themselves ask for guidance on what type of instrument would suit their child, and how to access free music lessons and instruments. Music Lifeline is currently developing resources on a range of issues for parents together with links to some songs written by our music specialist which match the music curriculum.

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What schools, children and parents say about Music Lifeline

“Thank you SO much. My child has never done anything like this before. It’s been amazing and we will remember it forever.” Parent after the performance at The White Rock Theatre.

“This opportunity has been thoroughly enjoyed by our children. We love singing but with no ‘experts’ at school this has transformed the children’s experience. Memories and music made together!” Head of Dudley Infants.

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