The wonderful Manchester charity making music accessible for all

In a world where the joy of learning an instrument is often reserved only for those who can afford it, Olympias Music Foundation is fighting for the premise that music is for everyone.

This awesome Manchester-based charity has been rewriting the narrative, ensuring that no child is excluded from the world of music simply because of financial hardship. They have delivered an incredible 38,500 music lessons and counting, engaging hundreds more through workshops and performances.

Driven by the passionate leadership of Dr. Jo Yee Cheung, Olympias is making sure that talent is never lost to circumstance and that every child has the opportunity to discover their musical voice.

Olympias Music Charity

Founded in 2015 by Jo while she was still a student at the Royal Northern College of Music, Olympias began as a grassroots initiative. 

“I founded the charity 10 years ago while I was still a student. It really started as a group of students at the bar who thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be fun to do this?’ There were no business plans or spreadsheets, just lots of good intentions and early twenties energy,” said Jo. 

Olympias has blossomed into a structured, impactful organisation that provides free music lessons and instruments to children from low-income families.

The rising costs of music lessons and instruments have created barriers that many families cannot overcome. Jo is candid about the consequences: “It is becoming more and more apparent that learning an instrument is reserved nearly exclusively for families affluent enough to afford it. It’s a tragedy that so much talent is being missed because of prohibitive costs.

“I think there are so many children, young people that we will never know about who could have been the next Ed Sheeran, the next Gallagher. It’s a huge shame. It’s more than a huge shame: it’s a disgrace.”

The barriers to learning an instrument

Olympias tackles this challenge head-on. Each child receives an instrument of their own, along with weekly one-to-one lessons for as many years as they wish. This long-term support ensures that every child, regardless of background, has the chance to explore their musical potential.

“Music shouldn’t just be for those who can prove at the start that they’ll be prodigies. Everyone deserves a chance to try,” Jo emphasised.

“Learning an instrument is something that everyone should get a chance to try.Music’s just brilliant for you. It’s great for community building, for confidence, for making friends. And it just makes us all happier, more well-rounded people.”

The charity’s inclusive approach is reflected in its demographics: 90% of the families it works with are from global majority backgrounds. For many, music becomes a bridge to community, creating a sense of belonging in Manchester’s diverse diverse makeup. “Music is brilliant for confidence, for making friends, and for building a sense of home,” said Jo.

A weekend at Manchester Museum

Olympias’ recent event at Manchester Museum last weekend exemplified its dual mission of sustainability and inclusivity. Over two days, seven skilled luthiers, craftspeople who repair string instruments: gathered to restore 70 violins, violas, and cellos that had fallen into disrepair. The instruments, many of which were donations, were brought back to life, ready to inspire a new generation of musicians.

Jo highlights the significance of this initiative: “It’s often more economical to buy a new violin than to repair an old one. But thanks to the support of the Oglesby Charitable Trust and the generosity of local luthiers, we’re giving these instruments a second life.” The project not only reduces waste but also empowers Olympias’ teachers with basic repair skills, ensuring greater self-sufficiency.

The event was a true community effort. Children visited to see their instruments being repaired, gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved. Teachers learned practical repair techniques, while luthiers created “first aid kits” to enable quick fixes. The culmination of the weekend was a spring concert where the restored instruments’ rich melodies filled the air, a testament to the transformative power of collective action.

Olympias’ work in the community

Over the years, Olympias has touched countless lives. Jo fondly recalls their participation in a production of Noah’s Flood for the Manchester International Festival in 2023. Twenty children from Olympias formed the orchestra, performing alongside 250 singers and players in a professional production. “It was so special to see them on stage, dressed in concert attire, feeling part of something so grand,” she shared.

Another highlight was a virtual workshop with world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Four young cellists had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with him on an online workshop and receive feedback.

As Olympias enters its second decade, Jo envisions an even greater impact. She hopes to expand the Recycled Orchestra initiative, involving more volunteers and reaching more children. “We want to ensure that no child is excluded from music due to financial constraints,” she said.

“If you’ve got an old trumpet gathering dust or a forgotten flute hidden away, consider donating it. You could be giving a child the chance to discover their passion, their talent, and their voice.”

Olympias Music Foundation

The Olympias Music Foundation’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the belief that music has the power to transform lives. 

As Jo reflected, “Everyone should have the chance to try, to explore, and to grow. That’s what music does: it brings us together, it makes us better, and it gives us joy.”

You can check out Olympias’s website by clicking here