About us - Youthsayers

Building foundations of a love of music

Who we are

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.,

How we do this

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.

Our mission

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.

Our goals

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.

The team

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, Julia Biel, 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.

Julia Biel is a contemporary recording and performing artist whose work spans jazz, soul and experimental forms. Alongside her international artistic practice, she brings her creative experience into youth and community spaces to support creative expression and a sense of belonging through music. She devised Rhythm and Vibes to offer young people a space to explore their musical voice and continues to guide its artistic direction, reflecting her belief in the importance of the arts in community life.

Lucas Gabriel Petter is a Musician, Composer, DJ and Music Tutor from Camberwell, South London, known for his work with Chainska Brassika, Horace Andy, and the Skatalites. With over 10 years of experience in mainstream and SEN music education, Lucas specializes in Trombone, Guitar, and Piano. He blends classical training with expertise in Ska, Reggae, and Jazz, offering engaging, inclusive lessons focused on aural development, improvisation, and cultivating a lifelong passion for music.

Memphis is an alumni of Youthsayers. He joined us in 2016 aged 12. Memphis is now working professionally as a musician, his band Kotoa are signed to Wah Wah 45s label. Memphis runs and manages his own rehearsal and recording space as well as working with Youthsayers as a part time tutor.

Our trustees

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.

After selling up and retiring as owner and director of award-winning retail fashion chain Bullfrogs, Michael started Soul Proprietors records in 2022. This Brixton based business is Michael’s passion and consists of a friendly and well stocked local record shop and online platform. Michael wants his skills and experience of 35 years in retail to help young people in Youthsayers to grow musically, emotionally and spiritually.

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.

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!

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.

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

Our patrons

British actress best known for her role as Lady Danbury in the Netflix Regency romance series Bridgerton, Adjoa has appeared in countless screen and stage productions.

Jamaican-British actress and singer who has appeared in many critically acclaimed stage plays as well as being in BBC Soap East Enders . Angeal is singer in the reggae band Abakush.