This week’s Friday Feature highlights the International Guitar Foundation, an organisation dedicated to bringing live music and creative opportunities into schools across the UK.
Through its Guitar Circus project, IGF works with primary and secondary schools to introduce young people to live performance and give them the opportunity to create and perform their own music. The programme combines professional performances, workshops and composition sessions, inspiring young people to explore music in an accessible and engaging way.
With support from the Kerslake Robshaw Foundation, the project is being delivered across multiple regions, reaching thousands of young people, many of whom would not otherwise have access to live music experiences. By using improvisation and open-access approaches, the programme enables children of all abilities to take part, building confidence and encouraging creativity from the outset.
The impact is clear. Alongside inspiring performances and creative workshops, the project has led to a 62% increase in children taking up the guitar across the Music Hubs involved, demonstrating the power of early exposure and positive musical experiences.
One teacher shared:
“You could see their curiosity and creativity light up during the workshops.”
At the Kerslake Robshaw Foundation, we’re proud to support organisations like the International Guitar Foundation that create inclusive environments where young people can build confidence, creativity and a sense of belonging.
