LMM-AnnualReview-16-17-32pgs-final-for-proofEAedits

chair's introduction At a time of profound global change and uncertainty, the education of our children is more crucial than ever. As a charity, our commitment to modelling equal access to high quality music education, and ensuring opportunities <strong>for</strong> personal and creative development, remains strong. The artists, children, schools and families with whom we work are shining examples of the enormous benefit that a rich cultural life can have on a community. In 20<strong>16</strong>/<strong>17</strong> that benefit was recognised again by Ofsted which visited two of our London schools. In their words, the London Music Masters effect increases the resilience and social skills of the students. In my leadership roles in business and the arts I understand only too well the need <strong>for</strong> a resilient work<strong>for</strong>ce that communicates well both internally and to a global public. The impact of London Music Masters’ work – which has now touched the lives of over 2,000 children and nine world class artists – goes far beyond the purely musical experience, something we have recognised <strong>for</strong> many years. The vast majority of our young people will not pursue musical careers, but that is not our goal. We are educating and inspiring children, enabling them to persist in the face of challenge, helping them to cooperate with others, to develop the confidence to lead and the skills to communicate. Measuring this impact is a decades-long endeavour. But we are building our capacity in this area in order to better understand how and why music education is uniquely placed to develop core social and emotional skills in young people. As you read our annual review, my hope is that you will be inspired not only by the immense accomplishments of our children and artists, but also by the teachers, administrators, funders, creative partners and volunteers who give so much. My special thanks to our founding director and trustee Victoria Robey OBE, and to my fellow trustees. Simon Freakley Chair of Trustees, London Music Masters 3