London, UK, 02 November 2021 – Leading music company Hal Leonard Europe (HLE) is proud to have been chief sponsor of the Youth Music Awards 2021, a celebration of the extraordinary achievements of young people in nationwide projects enabled by Youth Music funding.
After its inauguration in 2019, the Youth Music Awards in Association with Hal Leonard Europe returned in style on Wednesday 20 October at Troxy, London. The evening was a spectacular and humbling celebration of musical talent, inspirational project leadership, and social activism, with UK Managing Director Tom Venvell taking the stage to announce the Social Action Award to an audience that included leaders from Arts Council England, Spotify, YouTube, Tiktok, and The Musicians’ Union. The award, sponsored by HLE, went to the “Words Not Weapons” project by Music Fusion in Portsmouth, a powerful example of the direct and positive impact that Youth Music funding has on the lives of young people. Music Fusion offers a safe space for young people to write, record, and collaborate on musical projects, with the “Words Not Weapons” initiative facilitating groups in rival estates to work together on creating an album.
Chaired by Hal Leonard author YolanDa Brown, Youth Music is a charity that invests in grassroots projects nationwide so that more young people can make, learn and earn in music, whatever their background or goal. In addition to formal ceremonies, the 2021 Awards also featured some astonishing live performances from nominees, capped off by Pa Salieu, the BBC’s “Sound of 2021” and alumnus of a Youth Music project in Coventry.
“Hal Leonard and Youth Music share the same vision, which is that every young person should have the opportunity to make music – whether through using our tools and resources or participating in a community project such as Music Fusion. It was an absolute honour to present the Music Fusion team with their Social Action Award, which celebrates the life changing work they’re doing with young people on the South Coast.”
Tom Venvell, UK Managing Director, Hal Leonard Europe
“The Youth Music Awards demonstrates the significant impact of Hal Leonard Europe’s long-standing investment in Youth Music. Thanks to our partnership, more young people can access the transformative power of music every year – which is a goal we’re both equally passionate about. We can’t wait to see what another year working together brings.”
Matt Griffiths, Youth Music
“At this year’s event, Youth Music showcased inspiring examples of how they support young people to make, learn, and earn in music. It was apparent from the guestlist, featuring representatives from across the music industry, music education, and government that Youth Music are among the most respected music organisations in the country, and that they are setting the bar for effective responses to societal challenges via music. It was brilliant to see the association with Hal Leonard Europe at the centre of the Awards and we look forward to continuing to grow this vital partnership.”
Tom Farncombe, Business Development Director, Hal Leonard Europe
About Youth Music
#We believe that every young person should have the chance to change their life through music. Yet our research shows that many can’t because of who they are, where they’re from or what they’re going through.
Our insights, influence and investment in grassroots organisations and to young people themselves means that more 0–25-year-olds from can make, learn and earn in music.
Youth Music is a national charity funded thanks to the National Lottery via Arts Council England, players of People’s Postcode Lottery and support from partners, fundraisers and donors.