Future Sound, led by Abram Wilson, is designed to inspire young people from underrepresented backgrounds by offering them opportunities to develop their musical and creative potential. 

Through workshops, students learn composition, songwriting, performance skills, music recording and gain valuable insights into building careers in the music industry.

Initially launched in Co-op Academy Manchester and Co-op Academy North Manchester throughout 2022-23, the programme has now been extended to six schools across the Trust with approximately 2,958 students from Co-op Academies Bebington, Failsworth, Leeds, Stoke-on-Trent now also taking part in the project.

Steve Brice, Regional Director of Merseyside and Salford, said: “Our partnership with Abram Wilson aims to address existing barriers to participation, such as the need for prior instrumental skills, and creates opportunities to engage more students in music. 

“It’s a layered approach that also supports schools in tackling challenges like pupil absences, offering enriching activities to keep students engaged and motivated.  The benefits that students get from practicing and performing music together go far beyond just developing their musical skills.”

“The programme has had a profound impact on students who have taken part, many of whom had never played a musical instrument previously. Our students have been able to  engage in experiences they might not have had opportunity to otherwise and we’re looking forward to bringing this opportunity to even more schools in the future.”

Creative Director and Joint CEO of Abram Wilson, Mercy Welbeck, said: “We are delighted to see our partnership with Co-op Academies Trust continue to grow, reaching more schools and inspiring even more young people through the Future Sound programme.

“This aspirational initiative connects students with professional musicians as role models, fostering creativity and personal growth. It’s a privilege to collaborate with a partner that shares our vision of helping young people thrive through engaging creative workshops.

“The impact of professional and relatable musicians leading assemblies and sessions has been evident in the feedback from both teachers and students. During my visit to Manchester on the 22nd November, I got to see the energy and enthusiasm of the programme firsthand. It was incredible to see students playing music they had composed together and learning from professionals in such an engaging environment.

“Knowing that this is just the beginning of our work with young people across the Co-op Academies Trust is hugely exciting!”

Recently, at Co-op Academy North Manchester, 20 young people had the chance to work with Leeds-based saxophonist and composer Emma Johnson during musical workshops that concluded in a live performance at The Yard, Manchester.

All students involved made significant progress, particularly in collaborative performance, with 96% showing improvement in composition skills and confidence performing in front of others. Additionally, 100% of participants increased their music performance self-efficacy and their belief in their ability to succeed in music performance.

These results were measured using standardised questionnaires, and the changes were found to be highly statistically significant.

All participants, identified as having musical aptitude but facing barriers to accessing music outside of school, were Year 9 students aged 13–14. Among the group, 65% were from global majority ethnic backgrounds, and 53% received pupil premium funding.