Music Volunteer - Practise Buddy

Who we are

Orchestra of Everything Foundation (OOEF) is a Bath charity delivering free, immersive music education to children aged 7–11 in some of the most deprived communities in the country. Around 270 children currently benefit across two primary schools in Twerton and Whiteway, with more schools planned. Our impact is off the scale: school leaders tell us that 86% of children show improved attitudes to learning across all subjects — better resilience, focus and confidence — and we have been instrumental in a 39% reduction in pupil suspensions.

We also run an evening youth club for older young people, in partnership with Youth Connect South West and with the backing of the Police Early Intervention Team. Our work has attracted the attention of the Department for Education, and Bath Spa University now incorporates our model into teacher training.

To see what we do in action, watch our ITV news feature (on any browser except Chrome) - search for "Orchestra of Everything Foundation - the Bath charity transforming local schools with music".

About the role

As a Practice Buddy you sit alongside small groups of children as they work through their instruments — listening, encouraging and celebrating their progress. You will work in a team of 5–10 at all times; no one ever works alone with children. Training and mentoring are built in from day one. Sessions are so valued that children are released from maths lessons to attend! No musical experience needed - if you love music and care about young people, we would love to hear from you

What you'll bring

• A warm, patient approach with primary-school-age children

• Reliability — children build trust with familiar faces, and a volunteer who keeps coming back has a disproportionate impact

• Comfort working as part of a team in a school environment

• A love of music — you don't need to play a note

Time commitment

Most volunteers come in weekly or fortnightly during term time — a typical session is around 1.5–2 hours on a Wednesday afternoon (more days planned). Some come via company or organisation rotas (like Camella estate agents and Bathavon Rotary Club), others as University of Bath students fitting volunteering around their studies. One-off or ad hoc sessions are also very welcome. We will work around whatever suits you.

What you'll get from it

• The chance to see children grow in confidence and ability in real time — often children who struggle in conventional classroom settings

• A supportive, welcoming team with training and mentoring provided

• The knowledge that this is genuinely high-impact work — these children's lives are being changed

• DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF