Unlocking Confidence, Identity, and Opportunity for Every Child
At a time when access to high quality music teaching is coming under increasing pressure, we asked former headteacher and RSMF trustee Andres Hayes to explain why she was so compelled to work with us and what music in schools means to her…
“Music speaks to something deep within us - it stirs, comforts, and lifts us. But for children, it does something even more extraordinary: it opens a door to who they might become. RSMF exists to place that possibility directly into children’s hands, ensuring that every child - no matter their background - can experience the joy and power of high‑quality music teaching.
“In schools, what I witness isn’t simply music education, it’s children discovering themselves. It’s the quiet child finding their voice. It’s the anxious child standing a little taller. It’s the child who struggles in every other lesson suddenly shining. Music gives them a space where they are seen, heard, and valued. It teaches them to listen, to collaborate, to persevere - and it gives them a sense of belonging that can change the entire trajectory of their school life.”
“As an ex‑headteacher, and now a Chair of Governors, I know how fragile school budgets can be. Teachers must have 10% of planning, preparation and assessment (PPA) time each week, and their classes need meaningful, enriching cover. Our music teachers provide exactly that - specialist teaching from passionate educators at a time when trained music teachers are heartbreakingly rare. Schools can contribute to this provision, but they cannot shoulder the full cost alone. The Foundation directly protects children’s access to something that can shape their confidence, their identity, and their future.
“I’ve seen the impact of the RSMF schools programme up close. The lessons are alive - full of movement, joy, and discovery. Children aren’t passive; they are participants, creators, musicians. And for those who find traditional learning overwhelming, music becomes a lifeline. They flourish. They find something they can do, often for the first time. Their classmates begin to see them differently, and that shift ripples back into the classroom. Confidence grows. Self‑esteem strengthens. A child who once felt invisible begins to believe in themselves.
“So many musicians speak of school being difficult, until music gave them a place to belong. Singer Adele said, “It was through music that I found my confidence at school. I wasn’t the most academic, but when I sang, I felt like I had something to offer.” That feeling - that moment of realising ‘I matter’ - is what we are giving to children every single day.
“With your support, we can ensure that music isn’t a luxury or an afterthought, but a lifeline woven into every child’s education. Together, we can give children the chance not just to learn music, but to discover themselves through it.”
Andrea Hayes, RSMF Trustee
To find out more about supporting RSMF visit: Support us — Richard Shephard Music Foundation