About Us
We are an award-winning music education charity based in Manchester.
Olympias is dedicated to supporting young people experiencing low income to flourish, by providing a high quality and free music education for as long as they want to learn. Through the Olympias model developed over ten years, we are transforming how music education is experienced in the UK.
Our flagship project, Learn to Play, offers free, sustained, one-to-one music teaching and instruments that put the child and their family first, with classes delivered in the heart of their community. Our approach empowers young people to build their confidence and self-belief, feel excited about their future and experience the lasting joy a musical life brings.
We believe that all children should have access to the many personal and social benefits gained from exceptional musical and cultural experiences.
Since 2015, we have delivered over 42,000 free music lessons to young people experiencing low income in Manchester and more than 600 young people have taken part in our projects. Over 90% of young people who join Olympias are from a Global Majority background and in early 2025, we launched our Global Music Teacher Training to provide exceptional Global Majority musicians with the teaching skills for sharing their musical heritage. Our new Recycled Orchestra is made up of musical instrument donations from the public is helping us provide the free instruments we need for our young people.
We’re proud to have received national and regional awards for our work including the Outstanding Musical Initiative Prize (Music and Drama Education Awards 2024) and the King's Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS, 2023). In 2025 we celebrate our ten year anniversary. As we look ahead to the next ten years we continue to expand our reach and vision, working with our supporters, partners and funders to help create more opportunities for young people to flourish.
The instruments we teach are: Violin, Cello, Trumpet, Trombone, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Guitar, Voice, Santoor, Harmonium, West African Dance/Drumming and Recorder.
"I love the opportunities you can get because I play the violin, there are a lot of schools I'm able to go to just because I play the violin... it's improved my confidence at school."
David (aged 12), who enjoys instrumental lessons via Olympias' Learn to play project.
Our Mission
Our mission is to prepare young people for an exciting musical future. We do this by providing free, sustained music lessons for children experiencing social and financial barriers in Manchester; equipping them to be curious, agile, and inquisitive young musicians; and encouraging them to explore the unfamiliar.This journey is undertaken as a community – working together with families, stakeholders, and cultural institutions – to enable understanding, cultural sharing, and connection.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a brave new generation of diverse young musicians and audiences in Manchester. We see a future where all children have access to an excellent music education, and where music opens doors to new worlds and unites communities.
Our Values
We are CHANGE MAKERS – advocating for vital changes to a system which prevents young people from achieving their potential.
We are TENACIOUS in our belief that all children in Manchester should have equal access to an outstanding music education, regardless of background or income.
We do this as a COMMUNITY, working collaboratively with families, stakeholders, and supporters to nurture the next generation of diverse performers and audiences.
We recognise the rich tapestry of MUSICAL CULTURES which lies beyond the western vernacular and strive to learn more about the musical worlds in which our communities reside.
We CARE deeply about the people we work with. We are nothing without our staff, teachers, and volunteers. Their long-term wellbeing is paramount to ours.
