Youthsayers is a free music project based in South London, supporting young people through ensemble work and live performances since 2016. As of August 2024, we are a registered charity, committed to fostering growth, confidence, and skill in young musicians.
Led by professional musicians Robin Hopcraft and Idris Rahman from the acclaimed group Soothsayers, we help young people develop their musical abilities alongside essential life skills, including leadership and self-assurance.
Our programme is open to everyone, free of charge, and accessible to both beginners and experienced musicians.,
Our programme includes weekly sessions for three age-based groups, ranging from 8 to 18 years, where young musicians learn new music, explore improvisation, and develop teamwork and performance skills. With regular opportunities to perform at a variety of venues and festivals, participants gain invaluable real-world experience and confidence.
We also run workshops in schools and collaborate with other organisations to broaden access and provide hands-on teaching opportunities, giving young people the chance to learn from diverse musical experiences.
We aim to provide free music-making opportunities for young people aged 8 to 18 and beyond, focusing especially on those from underserved or economically disadvantaged backgrounds who may lack access to music tuition. Our weekly rehearsal groups foster a strong, community-centred culture that brings high-quality live performances to life, reflecting the cultural richness of South London.
For participants over 18, we offer guidance and career development, including work experience and leadership roles for those aspiring to careers in music. By partnering with organisations across the UK, we bring music-making opportunities to more young people, helping them grow in confidence, maturity, and community involvement.
Youthsayers is dedicated to supporting young people’s personal development, helping them build resilience, confidence, and skills for life. Working with musicians from Soothsayers, we provide practical experience and professional guidance in the music industry.
Through high-quality live performances, we nurture a sense of community and cultural identity, allowing participants to engage with music that reflects their heritage. By developing skills in leadership, teamwork, and communication, we enable young people to express themselves confidently and connect with their communities.
Through our collaborations with other youth music organisations, we aim to expand access to music, enriching lives through its transformative power.
Robin has worked as a professional educator and musician for 30 years, leading numerous music education projects and school music departments. He holds a PGCE from Goldsmiths College, University of London.
In addition to running Youthsayers, he co-leads the London-based band Soothsayers, who have released 11 studio albums and performed worldwide. Robin's main instrument is the trumpet, and he has collaborated with a wide range of artists and bands, both live and in the studio. He has extensive experience in project planning and implementation, is an experienced fundraiser, and has served as a charity trustee.
Idris Rahman is a saxophonist, composer, producer, teacher and multiinstrumentalist.
Since studying music at Oxford University he has explored music from diverse traditions and has been involved as player, composer or producer on a whole range of projects from long-running afrodub group Soothsayers and improv band Ill Considered to work with
Anoushka Shankar, Arun Ghosh, Osibisa, Zoe Rahman and many more.
Idris has been teaching in schools, colleges and universities since graduating almost thirty years ago and his love of sharing musical knowledge has led to his core involvement in Youthsayers.
Stephania is a TV Head of Production specialising in music programmes. Her career spans many years at the BBC delivering a vast portfolio including music event coverage such as Glastonbury, other music shows like Later with Jools Holland and music documentaries. Prior to television she worked in the charity sector and currently volunteers for another south London youth charity.
Emily has worked in the TV Industry for over two decades producing, directing and developing documentaries and unscripted formats for all the main broadcasters. In recent years she has turned her to attention to supporting the next generation of creatives, working as Head of Talent for a leading UK independent production company. She is passionate about supporting young talent and enabling them to fulfil their creative ambitions
Tamara is a Senior Executive with extensive experience across the media industry, having led broadcast, digital, and production businesses in both public and private sectors. Renowned for her expertise in steering complex transformations, she is a proven leader of change. A passionate advocate for emerging and diverse talent, she collaborates with media, education, and charity sectors to open the doors for the next generation.
Cathy is a skilled Executive Assistant known for her organisational expertise and stakeholder management. She specialises in project management, event coordination and communications. Her career includes significant roles at the Guardian and the Mayor's Fund for London. She is passionate about supporting young people to make the most of their life chances in London.
Joe is Head of Music at the Norwood School and has taught music in London for over twenty years. He is also a professional saxophonist and runs his own band, Brasstermind, which performs regularly in London and includes a number of his former students.
Sue is a charity leader, campaigner and commentator who has worked in the social change sector for approaching thirty years. CEO of the Sheila McKechnie Foundation since January 2016, Sue is a leading thinker and writer on civil society, campaigning and social change. Sue was awarded an OBE for ‘services to sport’ in the 2014 New Year’s Honour’s list and has an Honorary Degree from Liverpool Edge Hill University for ‘services to women’s health’. She is a former trustee and Chair of Fawcett and a former Chair of campaigning platform 38 Degrees.
Amber launched her career in the industry at Atlas Artists, where she honed her skills by nurturing the rise of UK sensations like Rachel Chinouriri, producer Daniel Hylton Nuamah, Celeste and Gabriels. To date her work has helped to create viral TikTok moments, Top 10 Albums and see her artists play some of the world’s most revered music festivals such as Glastonbury. Now sitting at Dirty Hit’s management arm (All On Red) working across their mammoth roster, Amber also boasts a burgeoning personal roster, representing some of UK Jazz’s most exciting new talents, Oreglo and Oscar Jerome.
Sally has over 25 years experience in education. For the last 15 years she has worked with children in care as Virtual Headteacher, delivering a number of musical projects as part of this work. She has also served as trustee of a national charity and as school governor for many years. She is a keen amateur musician and parent to a Youthsayers alumnus!
Stephania is a TV Head of Production specialising in music programmes. Her career spans many years at the BBC delivering a vast portfolio including music event coverage such as Glastonbury, other music shows like Later with Jools Holland and music documentaries. Prior to television she worked in the charity sector and currently volunteers for another south London youth charity.
Amber launched her career in the industry at Atlas Artists, where she honed her skills by nurturing the rise of UK sensations like Rachel Chinouriri, producer Daniel Hylton Nuamah, Celeste and Gabriels. To date her work has helped to create viral TikTok moments, Top 10 Albums and see her artists play some of the world’s most revered music festivals such as Glastonbury. Now sitting at Dirty Hit’s management arm (All On Red) working across their mammoth roster, Amber also boasts a burgeoning personal roster, representing some of UK Jazz’s most exciting new talents, Oreglo and Oscar Jerome.
Emily has worked in the TV Industry for over two decades producing, directing and developing documentaries and unscripted formats for all the main broadcasters. In recent years she has turned her to attention to supporting the next generation of creatives, working as Head of Talent for a leading UK independent production company. She is passionate about supporting young talent and enabling them to fulfil their creative ambitions
Cathy is a skilled Executive Assistant known for her organisational expertise and stakeholder management. She specialises in project management, event coordination and communications. Her career includes significant roles at the Guardian and the Mayor's Fund for London. She is passionate about supporting young people to make the most of their life chances in London.
Tamara is a Senior Executive with extensive experience across the media industry, having led broadcast, digital, and production businesses in both public and private sectors. Renowned for her expertise in steering complex transformations, she is a proven leader of change. A passionate advocate for emerging and diverse talent, she collaborates with media, education, and charity sectors to open the doors for the next generation.
Joe is Head of Music at the Norwood School and has taught music in London for over twenty years. He is also a professional saxophonist and runs his own band, Brasstermind, which performs regularly in London and includes a number of his former students.
Sue is a charity leader, campaigner and commentator who has worked in the social change sector for approaching thirty years. CEO of the Sheila McKechnie Foundation since January 2016, Sue is a leading thinker and writer on civil society, campaigning and social change. Sue was awarded an OBE for ‘services to sport’ in the 2014 New Year’s Honour’s list and has an Honorary Degree from Liverpool Edge Hill University for ‘services to women’s health’. She is a former trustee and Chair of Fawcett and a former Chair of campaigning platform 38 Degrees.
Sally has over 25 years experience in education. For the last 15 years she has worked with children in care as Virtual Headteacher, delivering a number of musical projects as part of this work. She has also served as trustee of a national charity and as school governor for many years. She is a keen amateur musician and parent to a Youthsayers alumnus!
Registered Charity
Number 1209615
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Registered Charity
Number 1209615
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