Back in November Dr Lee Elliot Major, CEO of the Sutton Trust said the following phrase on BBC News:

“We are entering an era of almost stagnating opportunity.”

To me this statement is quite simply frightening to hear let alone comprehend. Please just take a moment to consider what that means for young people...

So, what has that got to do with music you ask? Well for me, music is without doubt one of the largest influences on my life. Music forms my first memory, it inspired me as a child, its driven my aspirations throughout my education, and it eventually became my passion and my career.

Growing up I was very fortunate; my parents were very supportive and could afford the costs of lessons, instruments, ensemble fees, and the general cost of being dedicated taxi drivers - Opportunities were quite simply available to me! 

Growing up it was the local Music Service, in particularly the ensembles that they provided, that had the biggest impact on my desire to progress a career in music. They gave me the ambition to study music through grade exams, GCSEs, A-Levels up to Undergraduate/Post Graduate degrees at one of the top conservatoires in the UK.

I now work as a Percussion teacher and ensemble director for Services for Education, an education charity in Birmingham that incorporates the local Music Service. They inspire over 38,000 young people every week with a fully inclusive offer of musical learning. As well as teaching music, they offer the free loan of a musical instrument to their students, and over 70 ensembles that cover the widest range of styles and genres for all levels of learning and ability. This is not a cheap endeavor but essential!

As Birmingham is one of the most disadvantaged cities in the UK, their free provision is essential to increase opportunity! It will help to open up wider career opportunities within the creative industries that may otherwise be closed to those from the most disadvantaged communities.

I am so so thankful for the opportunities I was given as a child. They are the driving force behind my career and my desire to run the Birmingham 10KM. 

I refuse to accept that we are entering an era of stagnating opportunity!

Please help me ensure that the opportunities music made available to me are available for everyone regardless of their background by supporting me raise essential funds for Services for Education.

Thank you!

If you’ve read this far well done! Just one more thing to add, on a personal note. Those who know me well will know how important physical exercise has been to me in life, but having 2 beautiful boys and the last 2 years of poor health have meant I have done absolutely nothing. I’m taking this opportunity to change that. My goal is just to get round this 10km course, no goals on times or speeds - just complete it and finally feel I’ve achieved something again. 

Thanks again!

Sarah.