Proudly supporting Concerteenies musical stories

We are delighted to announce a grant to Concerteenies, supporting the next chapter of its brilliant Musical Stories programme: a brand-new musical adaptation of A Cat Called Scratch by Jonathan Long and Korky Paul.

We are proud to continue our support for Concerteenies, whose inclusive, high-quality work for young children and families we have long admired.

Concerteenies is a Sheffield-based registered charity that creates accessible, high-quality live music experiences for children aged 0–7 and their adults. Its work is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: every child should have the chance to enjoy live music, whatever their background or circumstances.

The award will help Concerteenies commission a new composition based on A Cat Called Scratch, alongside animated versions of Korky Paul’s illustrations. Children will experience the story through live performances in schools, nurseries, libraries, and Family Hubs, as well as through a free online film version for families to enjoy at home. The project is designed to reach children across South Yorkshire, with a particular focus on schools and communities where access to the arts can be limited. Concerteenies plans to work with at least 46 schools, aiming to reach more than 4,600 children and 230 teachers, alongside two-family orchestral performances in Sheffield and an online audience of around 5,000 children and adults.

Musical Stories combine live music, storytelling, animation and participation, giving young children a joyful first encounter with live performance while supporting listening, communication, movement, and creative learning. Concerteenies has a strong track record in this area, and its wider work focuses on bringing inclusive musical experiences to children in schools, nurseries, and community settings.

What impressed us about this application was the way the project supports children, teachers, and creative professionals at the same time. Children receive an accessible introduction to live music in familiar community settings; teachers receive training, lesson plans, SEND resources and songs to help embed music across the curriculum; families who cannot easily attend a concert can access the animated film and resources online; and local composers, animators, musicians and creative practitioners gain paid creative opportunities.

The project will run from February to August 2027. We are pleased to play a part in helping A Cat Called Scratch come to life—and in helping more children across South Yorkshire discover the wonder of live music.

Celebrating Our Grant for the Irish Tin Whistle Project: Bringing Heritage & Music to Sheffield’s Young People.

At the Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation, we believe every child deserves the chance to explore music, celebrate their heritage, and discover the joy of making sound — no matter their background or where they live. That is why we are so proud to support the Irish Tin Whistle Project, led by Friends & Volunteers of Sheffield Music Hub, with a grant to help bring this wonderful initiative to life.

This exciting new pilot will introduce Irish traditional music and culture to around 200 Key Stage 2 pupils across seven primary schools in Sheffield. Over 2027, children will learn to play tin whistles, sing traditional songs, explore rhythms, and discover the rich musical heritage of Ireland — including the culture and contributions of Irish and Irish Traveller communities right here in Sheffield.

Led by experienced musician and educator Dr Michael Walsh, in partnership with Sheffield Music Hub, the project goes far beyond just playing tunes. It builds confidence, develops musical skills through both learning-by-ear and notation, and gives teachers the resources and training to keep the programme thriving long after the pilot ends. Instruments and materials stay in schools, so the benefits will be felt for years to come.

Sheffield is home to a long-standing and diverse Irish community — yet until now, there has been no formal opportunity for children in the city to learn Irish traditional music in schools or community settings. For many families, cultural connection is something that can fade across generations; this project opens the door for young people to explore identity, take pride in their heritage, and learn about the shared musical story of our islands.

The tin whistle is the perfect instrument: affordable, portable, gentle for beginners, and instantly recognisable. It is accessible to all — including those who may not have access to costly instruments or paid activities — and inclusive design means children with different needs and learning styles can join in, whether playing, singing, or using percussion.

The project is delivered alongside Friends & Volunteers of Sheffield Music Hub, a registered charity (No. 1003611) with a strong track record of raising funds, supporting bursaries, and making music education accessible across the city. Their team of trustees and volunteers works tirelessly to strengthen opportunities for children — and this project is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when communities come together.

Our grant will help fund the project leadership that makes this possible. Alongside generous support from partners including Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann — who have donated tin whistles — and in-kind support from Sheffield Music Hub, this funding makes the project free for participating schools and families. We hope this pilot will grow, spreading the magic of Irish traditional music to more children across Sheffield and South Yorkshire.

When children pick up a tin whistle, they are not just learning an instrument — they are connecting to a living tradition, seeing their heritage reflected, and finding their own voice. We cannot wait to see the first notes played, the smiles in classrooms, and the lasting friendships and confidence that will grow from this work.

We are proud to stand alongside the Friends & Volunteers of Sheffield Music Hub in making this happen. Watch this space — we will be sharing stories, updates, and music from the project as it unfolds.

If you would like to find out more about the Irish Tin Whistle Project please contact the Sheffield music hub. Together, we can keep the power of music alive for every child.

Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation Supports Meersbrook Community Choir.

We are delighted to support Meersbrook Community Choir in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, helping to keep community singing accessible,inclusive and enjoyable for local people of all ages and backgrounds.

Meersbrook Community Choir brings people together through the shared joy of singing, creating a welcoming space where people can build musical skills, grow in confidence and connect with others in their community.

Meeting weekly during term time at Meersbrook United Reformed Church, the choir welcomes singers of all abilities, from young children to older adults. Its oldest member is 90, demonstrating that the joy of making music together can be enjoyed throughout life.

Sessions are led by a professional Music Director and accompanied by live music. Songs are taught by ear, meaning that no previous musical experience or ability to read music is needed to take part. Singers develop their technique, learn harmonies and work towards performances in a supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to progress at their own pace.

At the heart of Meersbrook Community Choir is a commitment to ensuring that finances, age or musical experience are not barriers to participation. Weekly subscriptions can be waived where cost would otherwise prevent someone from joining, while concessionary tickets help make the choir’s concerts accessible to a wider audience.

The choir also recognises the importance of singing beyond the music itself. Meeting regularly gives members the opportunity to socialise, check in with one another and develop lasting friendships. This sense of connection can help reduce social isolation, support mental wellbeing and build a stronger local community.

Twice a year, the choir brings its work to the wider neighbourhood through concerts, creating opportunities for members to celebrate their achievements and share their music with local audiences. These events are friendly community occasions, complete with refreshments and fundraising activities.

Running an inclusive community choir involves significant costs, including professional musicians, rehearsal space, music and concert expenses. The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation’s grant will help cover these costs, enabling Meersbrook Community Choir to continue offering accessible singing sessions where people of all ages and backgrounds can develop their musical skills, build confidence and connect with their community.

Looking ahead, the choir hopes to build on its successful collaborations with other community groups, including joint performances with Totley Teapot Choir, neighbourhood carol singing and shared community meals.

We are proud to support Meersbrook Community Choir and its work to make music a positive, welcoming and unifying part of everyday life in Sheffield.

Congratulations to everyone involved with Meersbrook Community Choir, and happy singing!

Grant Awarded to Lower Meadow Primary Academy for One Voice Choir Project

We are delighted to announce a new grant to Lower Meadow Primary Academy in Sheffield, supporting pupils to take part in the exciting One Voice choir project.

Based in Batemoor, Sheffield, Lower Meadow Primary Academy will use the grant to cover participation costs for its choir to join hundreds of children from schools across Sheffield for a spectacular shared singing performance.

One Voice is a large-scale singing festival that brings schools together to learn, rehearse, and perform as one, giving pupils the wonderful opportunity to connect with the wider Sheffield community through music.

As part of the project, pupils will receive songs, lyrics, sheet music, and rehearsal tracks to help them prepare. Teachers will benefit from professional development (CPD) sessions, and pupils will take part in live online workshops led by an expert singing tutor ahead of the big day.

The project will culminate in a live concert at Sheffield’s Octagon Centre, where the children will come together to perform for their families and loved ones.

Lower Meadow Primary Academy is passionate about enriching its curriculum and creating unforgettable experiences for its pupils. Being involved in One Voice will help pupils build confidence, develop their musical talents, and gain inspiring performance experience on a major stage.

Our support helps ensure that all pupils can participate fully in high-impact enrichment opportunities like this without financial barriers for the school or families. The grant covers the full participation fee, including all training and musical resources throughout the project.

The project will run from October to December 2026, culminating in the final concert in December 2026.

We’re thrilled to support the pupils and staff at Lower Meadow Primary Academy as they prepare to raise their voices alongside peers from across Sheffield. We look forward to following their journey and celebrating their achievements at the Octagon Centre!

Congratulations to everyone at Lower Meadow Primary Academy — we wish the choir every success with One Voice!

Bringing the Power of Music to Young People in Maltby

At the Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to experience the joy, confidence, and community that making music brings—regardless of their financial background.

That is why we are thrilled to support The Fun Hub CIC in Maltby, Rotherham, with funding for their new project, Maltby Music Starters.

Based at Lime Tree House on Limesway, The Fun Hub CIC is a vital cornerstone of the Maltby community. They already support local families through free Stay and Play sessions, a community food pantry, and holiday activity camps. However, with cost-of-living pressures hitting local households hard, extra-curricular opportunities like paid music lessons and instrument hires are often completely out of reach.

Running from October 2026 through January 2027, Maltby Music Starters will deliver 8 to 10 completely free, hands-on sessions for around 20 to 30 children and young people aged roughly 5 to 18 (and under 25s). From group singing and rhythm workshops to learning ukuleles and simple keyboards, the project offers a low-pressure environment to build confidence, make friends, and discover a love for music.

Our funding directly supports young people in South Yorkshire by enabling The Fun Hub CIC to deliver a high-quality, fully accessible musical experience:

Starter Instruments & Music Equipment: Purchasing a new bank of instruments, storage, and practical equipment. Crucially, these will remain permanently at Lime Tree House so young people can keep playing for years to come.

Expert Session Facilitation: Funding an experienced sessional music lead to run interactive workshops in singing, rhythm, and group performance.

Learning Resources & Refreshments: Providing beginner sheet music and learning materials, along with light refreshments for participants during the sessions.

By supporting both the session delivery and a permanent bank of equipment, this grant ensures that young people in Maltby can continue practicing, collaborating, and making music long after the formal project wraps up in January 2027.

We can’t wait to see the young people of Maltby take their first steps on their musical journeys over the coming months!

To learn more about the work happening at Lime Tree House, visit funhubactivities.co.uk.

Grant awarded to Sheffield ME and Fibromyalgia Group

We are delighted to award a grant to Sheffield ME and Fibromyalgia Group,a local charity supporting people living with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia and Long Covid across South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, to support its Relax, Sing, Breathe project.

The project will provide singing sessions for people living with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia and Long Covid across South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, helping members to connect with others, reduce isolation and experience the wellbeing benefits of music.

SMEFG has been supporting people affected by these conditions for more than 25 years, providing social activities, befriending, information, advice and support. For many of its members, opportunities to take part in accessible social activities can be particularly important, helping people to maintain connections and find enjoyment despite the challenges their conditions can bring.

The singing sessions combine music with breathing techniques and are led by qualified singing teachers with experience of working with people with disabilities. Members have reported benefits including improved mood, greater social connection and improvements in breathing and voice strength.

The project will include both online sessions and an accessible city-centre session at Victoria Hall in Sheffield, helping to remove some of the barriers that can make attending activities difficult for people with mobility issues or limited energy.

The project reflects the values at the heart of The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation: our belief that music has the power to bring people together, improve wellbeing, create happiness and make a positive difference to people’s lives. We are particularly pleased to support an inclusive project that enables people who may otherwise face barriers to participating in music to experience its benefits.

Clare Clifton, Chief Executive of Sheffield ME and Fibromyalgia Group, said:

“Our singing groups provide much more than an opportunity to sing. They give people living with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia and Long Covid the chance to meet others who understand their experiences, build friendships and enjoy an activity together. Members tell us that the sessions have a positive impact on their mood, social connection and breathing. This funding will help us continue providing these valuable sessions and ensure that people can access activities that support their wellbeing.”

We are proud to support Sheffield ME and Fibromyalgia Group and look forward to seeing the Relax, Sing, Breathe project bring people together through the joy and power of music.

Grant Award: Barnsley Pride – Rainbow Rhythms Music Group

We are delighted to award our latest grant to Barnsley Pride to support the continuation and expansion of its Rainbow Rhythms Music Group.

Barnsley Pride has been supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Barnsley for around 15 years. Alongside its annual Pride event, the organisation delivers year-round activities that help tackle social isolation, improve wellbeing and strengthen community connections.

Rainbow Rhythms is a weekly music group providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ people aged 18–60. Participants can learn musical instruments, develop vocal skills and express themselves through music, while building friendships, confidence and a stronger sense of belonging.

The group currently attracts 12–20 people each week and brings together participants across generations, creating opportunities to share experiences and support one another.

Our funding will help Barnsley Pride purchase additional musical instruments and equipment, allowing more people to take part and helping the group meet growing demand.

The project aims to reduce isolation and discrimination, improve mental health and wellbeing, develop musical skills and build confidence within the LGBTQ+ community.

We are pleased to support Barnsley Pride in continuing this valuable work and helping create a more connected, inclusive and supportive community in South Yorkshire.

Congratulations to Barnsley Pride, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of Rainbow Rhythms over the coming year.

Find out more about Barnsley Pride: barnsleylgbt.org

Large grants August 2026- The third grant is awarded to Sanctuary 2027 to bring people seeking sanctuary together through music

The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation is delighted to announce a grant to Sanctuary 2027 to support Sanctuary in the Booth, a new DJ participation project for people seeking sanctuary in Sheffield.

The project will use the power of music to help participants build confidence, learn new skills and create connections within Sheffield’s vibrant music community.

Sanctuary 2027 is a collaboration between Stand and Be Counted Theatre and City of Sanctuary Sheffield, created to mark 20 years since Sheffield became the UK’s first City of Sanctuary. Across 2027, the programme will bring together large-scale events and community-led activity to celebrate and reaffirm Sheffield’s commitment to being a place of safety, welcome and belonging.

Through Sanctuary in the Booth, around 10–15 adults who are refugees, people seeking asylum or other newly arrived migrants will take part in a series of practical DJ workshops between October 2026 and January 2027.

Working with Calabash, participants will learn skills including mixing, music selection, performance and event preparation. Importantly, no previous DJ experience is required.

The project is about much more than learning to DJ. It will create a welcoming space for people who can face significant barriers to accessing creative opportunities, allowing participants to share music from their own cultures, express themselves, meet others and develop a stronger sense of belonging.

Participants will also have the opportunity to perform their DJ sets at a Sanctuary 2027 celebration event in January, giving them a platform to showcase their skills and contribute to Sheffield’s cultural life.

We are particularly excited by the project’s ambition to create opportunities beyond the workshops. Sanctuary 2027 hopes that participants will go on to DJ at other events across Sheffield during 2027, helping them build experience, connections and potential pathways into the city’s creative and music industries.

At The Sarah Nulty Power of Music Foundation, we believe in the ability of music to bring people together, build confidence and create opportunities. Supporting projects that use music to make a positive difference in people’s lives is at the heart of what we do — continuing Sarah’s belief in the power of music to connect communities and create joy.

We are proud to support Sanctuary in the Booth and look forward to seeing where these new DJs take their skills next.

Congratulations to everyone involved in Sanctuary 2027, we can’t wait to hear what comes from the booth!

The Foundation’s work is made possible in part through the continued support of Amplify Events and Tramlines Festival, whose commitment to music and the Sheffield community helps us support projects like this.