What we do
At Youthsayers, we believe music should be accessible to all – no matter your background or experience.
Whether you’re just starting out, want to play in a band, or you’re looking to take your skills to the next level, there’s a place for you here. We welcome young people aged 8-18 who are enthusiastic about playing music in a group setting and developing themselves as musicians.
Our weekly sessions focus on groove-based music inspired by reggae, jazz, Afrobeat and beyond. We rehearse, perform, write music together – and most importantly, have fun doing it. We also run a performing collective for alumni who want to keep playing and growing with us.
You don’t need to be a confident or advanced player to join. If you can play a tune, that’s a great place to start. We don’t offer beginner instrument lessons, so you’ll need to have access to an instrument – but please don’t let doubts about your level hold you back. We’re not here to find “the best” young musicians – we’re here to create a space where everyone can develop at their own pace.
What matters most is your attitude – showing up regularly, being open to learning, and enjoying the process of making music with others. Youthsayers is about working together, listening, and building confidence in a supportive environment.
Our programme is free to join, and we prioritise access for young people who may not otherwise be able to take part in paid music activities. We’re committed to diversity and believe that every young person brings something unique to the group.
We run weekly sessions for young people aged 8–18, plus a performing collective for our alumni.
Our groups
Younger Youth Vibes
Tuesdays 5–6pm | Ages 8–12
St Margaret the Queen Hub, Streatham Hill SW2
An opportunity to settle into groove playing on any instrument and open to absolute beginners, Rhythm ‘n’ Vibes gets students comfortable with the building blocks of groove music: finding and keeping the pulse, learning and playing different rhythms against the pulse and experiencing how the different rhythms link together to create a fuller sound. Devised by artist Julia Biel and delivered in collaboration with Youthsayers, the workshop brings young musicians together to explore ensemble playing, songwriting and creative expression.
Younger Youthsayers
Tuesdays 6–7.30pm | Ages 10–13
St Margaret the Queen Hub, Streatham Hill SW2
Provides an opportunity to be part of a regular rehearsing group focussing on great accessible tunes from iconic reggae, jazz and Afrobeat traditions. The learning is focussed on having fun, group performance and developing a love for playing. Younger Youthsayers learn how to play as a part of band as well as being introduced to improvisation and arranging songs.
Youthsayers
Wednesdays 6–7.30pm | Ages 13–18
St Margaret the Queen Hub, Streatham Hill SW2
This is our main ensemble. We run sessions on Weds from 6pm to 8pm at The Portico Gallery in SE27. Youthsayers is open to all who can play an instrument. There is no set level but being to play a tune is helpful. The range of experience and playing level in Youthsayers ranges from beginner to advanced. We aim to make the group accessible by using workshop techniques and pieces that accommodate different levels of playing and different learning styles. There is a waiting list to join Youthsayers but places become available on a rolling basis. We aim to accommodate everyone but we want to give chances to young people who are restricted from accessing other opportunities due to cost or lack of support. Also which instrument a potential participant plays can affect opportunities to take part as we need to keep a balance of instrumentation.
Youthsayers work on a set of tunes for performances. The band has performed in a wide variety of venues including The Royal Albert Hall, WOMAD Festival, We Out Here Festival, Trafalgar Square, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Durham Miners Gala, Freedom Sounds Festival Cologne, London Jazz Festival, Ealing Jazz Festival, Lambeth Country Show.
The Red Earth Collective
The Red Earth Collective is a performing band drawn from alumni of Youthsayers, led and organised by members of the band.
The band has a flexible line up of young musicians emerging onto the professional music scene though connecting with like-minded young musicians to form their own bands , composing new music and forging paths into the industry, though touring and recording with established artists and through developing their skills via higher education in conservatoires and universities. These young musicians have spent their formative years with Youthsayers developing their confidence, skills and a love of music making. The Red Earth Collective is an opportunity for them to deepen their connection to the music and each other and to develop their creativity and performance skills in a live setting.
They perform regularly on the first Saturday of the month at the Effra Hall Tavern, Brixton, and on the first Sunday of the month at the Portico Gallery Thrift Fair, West Norwood, as well as other gigs in London and beyond.
Additional opportunities to make music:
Holiday Courses
We run special courses during the summer holidays, giving you even more chances to develop your skills. Keep an eye out for announcements.
