Work With Us
Ten years of Olympias in numbers
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38,590+ free music lessons delivered since 2015
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180 Children experiencing low income in Manchester currently receive free weekly music lessons and now own an instrument.
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608 different children in total have passed through Olympias’ projects since 2015
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50+ concerts hosted
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20 freelance teachers regularly employed
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30 children successfully passed an ABRSM, Trinity or Pop Music music examination
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12 children accepted onto the Royal Northern College of Music Pathfinder scheme
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100 donated and repaired instruments in new Recycled Orchestra for 2025
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120 volunteers have contributed
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200 children and adults attended choirs, orchestras and SEND workshops
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20+ community events hosted
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1 Artist Residency for 34 Global Majority Musicians
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2 Residential Music Courses in Wales in 2023 and 2024
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5 Awards - Community Integration Awards 2017; Manchester Culture Awards 2018; Be Proud Awards 2019; King's Award 2023; Music and Drama Education Awards 2024
"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.
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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 a grassroots music charity - but we are ACTIVISTS at heart – 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.