About our Big Give electronic music education campaign

Situation

Recent data provides stark evidence of a crisis of inequality in music education impacting on careers in electronic music and the creative industries. Demos (2025) recently found “a £160m black hole in the music education budget in England”, a Sutton Trust report (2024) talks of  “the domination of the creative industries by the better off,”  while 6% of recognised music producers are women (USC Annenberg, 2025) and 89% of Black female music creators report barriers to progression (Black Lives in Music, 2021).

Despite electronic music genres having deep roots in scenes borne out of marginalised communities and their experiences, we are now seeing the very same groups having less access to creating music and being able to break through. The music industry and education bodies urgently need to take steps towards meaningful change and inclusion. This requires research and educational design to understand the real needs of under-represented participants from a young age.

Solution

Investment in research into under-represented participants and electronic music education is essential to address systemic barriers. We will consult with Greater Manchester schools to investigate how to do this, then design and deliver accessible courses, and share this with the sector so that all benefit and can take action.

We have crucial insight to approach this as our work delivers uniquely accessible electronic music workshops to schools in areas experiencing deprivation. So far we have supported 2035 children to build confidence & competence to create music in workshops led by professional artists. Our sessions have supported young people to shine and thrive, while developing skills such as teamwork. We are guided by the pioneering Doctor Who producer Delia Derbyshire, a self defined “working class girl” whose music and techniques mean that almost anyone can try out inventive DIY approaches while having fun and expressing themselves.

This initiative is also supported by Postlethwaite Music Foundation and One Education Music.

What we will do with your help:

• Listen to at least 10 Manchester primary schools, finding out what they want and need, in partnership with One Education Music (the biggest music education provider in Manchester);

• Produce an electronic music education needs analysis report that benefits schools nationally, in partnership with Brighter Sound – to be published around DD Day 2025 (23 November);

• Respond with pilot music making projects in schools and teacher training, directly responding to consultation findings.