I am setting up a project to enable music-making for people with Special Needs in Worcestershire, of which there is next to none.

When I worked at the Elgar School of Music in Worcester, the highlight for me was the weekly session of the “Special Music Makers”, most of whom had Downs or cerebral palsy; nothing before or since in the music world has moved me more.

Also involved in this project will be the musical talent and brains of the ESO, Armonico Consort and the school itself. We have so far raised £10,000 to get a project underway next Spring and I am looking for another £5,000 or so to complete it. Crowdfunding is one of the means I will be using, any support you might be able to give will be hugely appreciated.

The project will be starting in the New Year, very likely at a special school just outside Worcester.

The idea is that the end results of next years project will provide a compelling template for future applications to the Arts Council, Lottery etc, thus ensuring the future of such programmes in the following years.