How Scotland’s Youth Music Initiative boosts children’s well-being

New review notes success of long-running music programme, in which more than 453,000 children participated over the last year 

The Scottish Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has warmly welcomed a new review that shows the positive impact of the Youth Music Initiative. 

Photo by Michał Parzuchowski / Unsplash

Established in 2003 and supported by an annual budget of £9.78m from the Scottish government, this initiative provides music-making opportunities for young people across the country. It is particularly targeted towards those who would now otherwise be able to take part in music. 

The review notes that the programme, administered by Creative Scotland, has expanded access and the opportunities available to children, with more than 453,000 children supported over the last year alone. 

The programme’s newest strand, the Youth Arts Open Fund, is already creating additional opportunities for young people who face barriers to participations. This includes ‘Starcatchers’ for babies and very young children, with a studio based in an otherwise empty retail unit in Wester Hailes. The Youth Arts Open Fund is delivered in participation with YouthLink. 

While the findings are positive, the review makes a series recommendations to the Scottish government and Creative Scotland on ways to improve the offer. These include potential structural changes and looking for opportunities to innovate. 

You can download the full report, YMI: Review of Scotland’s National Music Education Infrastructure, from the Creative Scotland website.   

Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, says: ‘At its heart, the YMI is about providing young people of all backgrounds the opportunity to enjoy music. Participation in cultural and creative activities helps young people grow into confident citizens and plays an important role in fostering wellbeing and supporting attainment. 

‘The Scottish government is proud to support the delivery of these benefits with £9.78m funding in the last Budget. The review’s recommendations will be considered carefully alongside the independent Review of Creative Scotland.’  

Morag Macdonald, YMI Manager at Creative Scotland, adds: ‘This report marks a pivotal moment to both reflect on the profound impact of the YMI on Scotland’s children and young people, and to celebrate how deeply it’s now embedded within the fabric of our national cultural offer. We welcome the report’s recommendations which provide a clear focus for the programme’s strategic development, and we remain ambitious about the future direction of the fund.’ 

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