Brightside Music bringing Music to Sheffield’s Healthcare Settings

In Sheffield, Brightside Music is enriching lives through interactive live music in hospitals, healthcare facilities, and community centres. They focus on reaching people of all ages who, due to health needs or isolation, have limited access to musical experiences. Not only do patients benefit, but families and healthcare staff find joy and comfort in these musical interactions too.

The sessions are participant-led, allowing individuals to engage in ways that feel comfortable—be it singing, moving, playing accessible instruments, or simply listening. The musicians believe that everyone is a musician and that music has the power to enhance anyone's life.

Our grant will provide funding for a new mini-project at Sheffield Children’s Hospital bringing three half-day sessions to young patients in the hospital’s Critical Care, Oncology, and Neurosciences wards, where long stays often mean missing out on typical music experiences. Funding covers musician fees and preparation to ensure the sessions meet patients’ unique needs. Musicians Becky and Aisling will perform on violin, clarinet, ukulele, and vocals, offering children, families, and staff the chance to sing, direct the music, and participate in meaningful ways.

With a history of success at institutions like AGE UK Sheffield, St Luke’s Hospice, and Leeds Children’s Hospital, these musicians continue to show that live music can transform healthcare environments, fostering connection, calm, and creativity for those who need it most.

Sheffield Music Hub

Another of our worthy grant recipients is Sheffield Music Hub. Sheffield Music Hub is committed to providing high-quality music education to all children, offering one-on-one, small group, and whole class lessons, as well as weekly ensemble opportunities across the city. They are seeking funding to purchase a license for the "Musical Monday" concert series, run by the charity Live Music Now.

Musical Mondays provide live, interactive performances specifically designed for children in special schools, who often face barriers to accessing live music. These online concerts allow children to engage with music in a familiar, safe environment, with options to move, use instruments, sing, or interact with musicians. The musicians have extensive experience working with children with additional needs, ensuring the performances are inclusive, using tools like Makaton and a variety of sensory prompts. This initiative makes live music accessible to children who might otherwise miss out on these enriching experiences. To find out more about their work visit Musical Mondays

Emmaus Catholic CofE Primary School

We are delighted to support another local School, Emmaus Primary, with a Grant. Emmaus Catholic CofE Primary School, located in the disadvantaged area of Wyburn, is committed to fostering a love for music among its students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The school's mission is to inspire children to develop a passion for music and provide opportunities to learn musical instruments through after-school music groups. These groups aim to keep children engaged and off the streets, while building stronger relationships within the local community and improving connections with families.

The school is seeking a grant to support its music program, which currently faces challenges due to a lack of funding. The funds would be used to purchase movement scarves for the youngest children (FS2) to help them explore music at an early age, fostering a love for music. Additionally, the grant would enable the purchase of an electric piano for weekly hymn-singing assemblies, as the school currently lacks one.

For older students in KS2, the school hopes to buy class sets of music books for their violin pathways program to support independent learning. They also wish to invite the Concerteenies musical storytelling group, which would promote music and literacy development for KS1 pupils, involving both children and their parents in this enriching experience. If you would like to find out more about the School click Here

Meersbrook Bank Primary School

We are delighted to announce our latest grant for Meerbrook Bank Primary School. The application came in from The friends of Meersbrook Bank School (FMBS) FMBS is a dedicated group of parents, carers, and supporters of Meersbrook Bank Primary School, united in their mission to raise funds and foster a vibrant school community. As a volunteer-driven organization, FMBS welcomes everyone who shares a passion for supporting the development of our local school, whether they have just a little time to spare or are looking to get more involved.

Over the years, FMBS has organized numerous fundraising events like fayres, BBQs, cake sales, discos, raffles, and quiz nights. Through these efforts, we have funded important projects such as a new library, school trips, playground upgrades, IT resources, and much more. Our goal is always to ensure that every child at Meersbrook Bank Primary School has access to enriching experiences that help them learn and grow.

Right now, we’re urgently seeking support to restock our school's music room. Music education at Meersbrook Bank is facing a challenge—there aren’t enough instruments to go around. Teaching music has become increasingly difficult due to tight budgets across the school, and unfortunately, music is not always a priority. This means that many of our students are missing out on opportunities to explore their creativity through music.

With funding, we hope to give every child the chance to experience the joy of music. This includes the ability to play in an ensemble and participate in group music-making sessions. If successful, the grant would enable us to offer free lunchtime music tuition, opening up a new world of rhythm, melody, and creativity for our students.

Our lead music teacher has also envisioned a music-making pack specifically for "The Nest," our tailored program for children with EHCPs and SEN who require a bespoke curriculum. This would ensure that every child, regardless of their needs, can access the benefits of music education.

We feel that this is a wonderful project to support and hope you agree. If you would like to find out more about the school you can visit their website Meersbrook Bank Primary School

Element Society

Another one of our grant recipients is Element Society, who are a non-profit organization based in Sheffield, dedicated to supporting disadvantaged young people in achieving what may seem impossible. Through targeted programs and workshops, they empower young people to create positive changes in their communities, raise their aspirations, and serve as role models for their peers.
Element Society emphasises making young people feel valued both as individuals and as integral parts of their community. They encourage young people to explore new opportunities, strive for greater accomplishments, and provide pathways to a brighter future.

The funding from the Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation will be utilized to deliver two specialized workshops aimed at young people: a Songwriting Workshop and a Recording & Production Workshop.

• The Songwriting Workshop will delve into the creative process, teaching participants how to craft lyrics, develop melodies, and structure songs.

• The Recording & Production Workshop will offer a practical introduction to recording their songs, including the basics of studio equipment, mixing, and sound engineering.

This project aims to reach young people from diverse backgrounds, especially those with limited access to music education. By providing a hands-on, immersive experience, these workshops will equip participants with valuable skills in songwriting and production, fostering their confidence and creativity.

Beyond musical skills, the workshops will create opportunities for self-expression, teamwork, and personal growth, contributing to improved mental well-being and emotional health. Participants will leave with practical experience in writing, recording, and producing music, which may inspire future music careers or simply offer a meaningful outlet for creativity—aligning with the foundation’s mission of empowering individuals through the transformative power of music. If you would like to find out more about them visit Element Society

Epressive Tots playgroup

One of our latest grants was given to a playgroup called Expressive Tots. This playgroup offers a warm and welcoming space for children aged 0-4 years and their carers, providing enriching play opportunities in a safe and friendly environment. Each session includes engaging activities designed to support early development and socialization, with a special focus on fostering bonds between children and their grown-ups. The sessions conclude with songs and musical fun, offering a delightful and interactive experience that leaves families smiling.

Having only been established for 5 months, the playgroup has already become a popular choice for local families, thanks to its affordability and inclusive approach. It aims to create a community where both children and their carers can connect, build friendships, and enjoy shared experience

In addition to regular playgroup activities, the group has recently partnered with Dronfield SNT to support their work with girls and women who have been victims of domestic violence. This collaboration has enabled the playgroup to provide a safe and supportive space for families facing challenging circumstances, helping them find comfort and connection through play and music.

The playgroup is seeking a small grant to host a heartwarming musical Christmas event for the families that attend. This festive celebration would include a live musical experience, which will be the first of its kind for many of the young children in attendance. The event aims to create a joyful and memorable occasion, bringing the magic of the season to life for children and their carers.

Support from the grant will help make this special event possible, spreading holiday cheer and providing an opportunity for families to come together in celebration. The playgroup’s mission is to create a space where every child and carer feels welcome, supported, and part of a vibrant community, and this Christmas event would be a beautiful extension of that vision. If you would like to find out more about the group, they can be found at Expressive Tots with Mel