Music Opportunities Pilot: What does musical excellence look like for each young person?

Zoë Armfield is Head of Learning at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, where she leads a wide-ranging programme of music education, talent development and community engagement. Now in her 17th year with the organisation, Zoë works with schools, teachers, young musicians, professional artists and community partners to create inclusive, ambitious opportunities for people to learn, participate and progress through music. She is particularly passionate about developing young people’s musical skills, confidence and life chances, and about building meaningful partnerships that strengthen music education.

Helen Duxfield is a freelance woodwind tutor, musician and SEND practitioner. She oversees the Connect programme in Liverpool with Resonate music service, where 30 young people from SEND settings receive free weekly instrumental and vocal lessons and other musical opportunities. Helen has previously worked as a primary SEND teacher and for the learning disability charity Mencap. Having received free instrumental tuition throughout school and a University Hardship Grant to enable her to complete her music degree, she is passionate about equal access for all to music and the arts.

Rosie Lowe is the Programmes & Engagment Director and Music Mark, working with the team to support the strategic development of the charity. Rosie oversees the development of existing partnerships and engages new partners to ensure Music Mark continues to support, connect and influence on behalf of its membership. Rosie’s professional background combines her interest in education and music. After finishing her music degree, she worked as a Primary Teaching Assistant for a year, before deciding to make a small career change into the music education sector. She took up the position of Marketing and Fundraising Manager at Berkshire Maestros for a year before moving across to one of the Music Centres as Music Centre Manager. After nearly three years of running a vibrant centre for young musicians, she made the move to Music Mark to further her career in the music education sector.

Ian is Head of Music Education at Sheffield Music Service. Previously his portfolio career included working extensively as a cello teacher, Head of Sheffield Music School, freelance cellist and orchestral director. Ian is a multi-award winning director of youth orchestras.

Neil Phillips is the Connect Programme Director at Young Sounds UK. A former professional rock musician, he retrained as a youth worker and has worked in a range of settings delivering programmes designed to support young people facing barriers, including those in the criminal justice system and young carers.

Neil oversees the Connect programme at Young Sounds UK and leads on the delivery of the Department for Education funded Music Opportunities Pilot, coordinating the work in 22 Music Hub regions and additional partners ABRSM, BBC Orchestras, Music Mark, Music Masters, the National Youth Orchestra, Open Up Music and Liverpool Philharmonic.