Youth Music was established in 1999 with a single aim: to increase music-making opportunities for children and young people, particularly those with limited access or in areas with least provision, explains Christina Coker.
Over the past four years this aim has been translated into reality with the help of a network of interested parties and partnership organisations, a dedicated staff team and a highly committed Board of trustees. During this period Youth Music has been shaped into the respected funding body, development agency and advocacy organisation that it is today.
From day one, my wish has been for Youth Music to make a real difference now, as well as leaving a clear, long-lasting legacy. I took up the post of Chief Executive with the firm view that Youth Music had a responsibility to be much more than a funding mechanism ? it should also be a major catalyst for development and fundamental change. The challenges we faced included tackling the effects of systemic and historical inequalities (including under-funding), breaking down hierarchies between music of different styles and cultural traditions, brokering new relationships ? between the formal education and community music sectors, but also with other complementary music providers, youth services and the music industry. The key challenge has been to link all this provision systemically to a wider network of funding and support, locally, regionally and nationally.
Action and results were expected quickly but all of this called for longer-term strategic planning, not quick fixes. In year one we set up the organisation from scratch, getting staff and systems in place, and consulted widely on our proposed priorities. We started awarding grants within four months of set-up ? a Lottery first. By the end of year three, we had clearly demonstrated the nationwide need for Youth Music?s support, and our strategic impact was starting to deal with all those challenges. It is now my responsibility to make sure that Youth Music consolidates its early work to support developments that are bringing more opportunities into areas where need has been clearly identified.
Youth Music?s business plan, developed with input from trustees and staff, is my delivery contract with the Board. Trustees review progress quarterly to make sure we are meeting our targets. The ?how to? part of delivering our mission is down to the heads of departments ? Policy & Programmes, Operations & Research, Marketing & Communications, Finance & Business, and Fundraising & Development. Whilst ensuring they all stick to the corporate plan, I give them a great deal of autonomy to develop both their skills and ideas. At different stages in my working life I have done all the jobs covered by Youth Music's operations, so I feel a great empathy with all staff. Our organisational effectiveness depends on each of them being focused and well motivated. Youth Music seems to attract committed, hard workers. That most of them are also passionate about what we do adds obvious enthusiasm and enjoyment to their work.
Our present success and future also depends on the organisations we work with and those we try to influence. The National Lottery has supplied £60m of our funding via Arts Council England (ACE) ? a significant sum. Our funding agreement with ACE is defined without dictating our precise direction. As a result, we have never felt constrained but rather free to respond to what our sources and research tell us is needed. It is heartening to know how pleased ACE is with our distribution of these funds, alongside our development support and advocacy ? all of which are making a direct, positive impact.
Having been established with a UK-wide remit, but a dedicated funding stream only for England, has caused significant pressures. However, taking our responsibility seriously, we have continued to pursue collaborative working relationships with Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This has provided valuable opportunities to learn much more about issues in each nation and share experience on numerous issues common to all. In meetings with ministers, government departments, all-party working groups, regional development agencies, etc., I try to place the value of Youth Music?s work in the context of what they want to deliver. Sometimes the relevance is immediate and obvious; other times tangential, requiring much more persuasion on my part.
It is in my nature to want to understand other peoples? points of view. Careful listening, observation and diplomacy are key skills in my role as lead advocate and ambassador. The range of stakeholders with whom I engage is broad and varied. To respond effectively to all, I remain open and flexible in my approach whilst maintaining consistent messages. I also challenge and, in turn, expect to be challenged. Through Youth Music?s advocacy capacity, I helped to make the case to the government for more cash for national flagship youth music organisations. This resulted in a three-year, £3m joint fund with the Department for Education & Skills and ACE. Youth Music?s research and development is also vital. A study we undertook for the Higher Education Funding Council of England is proving to be a useful catalyst to progress developments in training. The report on the training and development needs of modern musicians ? Creating a Land with Music ? asked some difficult questions, to which some institutions are already responding.
A favourite part of my job is going out to meet the people organising and supporting music-making activities and of course the children and young people taking part. Their sheer delight, commitment and enthusiasm is energising and reminds me that Youth Music?s work is really making a difference. For them participation in a Youth Music programme is not divorced from the rest of what goes on in their lives ? it is an integral part and vitally important.
My feelings about my job? In a few words: worthwhile, demanding, exciting, challenging and rewarding. I consider it a privilege to be leading and serving Youth Music ? it is a great team effort.
Christina Coker is Chief Executive of Youth Music t: 020 7902 1060
e: info@youthmusic.org.uk w: http://www.youthmusic.org.uk