Introducing 2 of our Future Leaders, a new programme for young Disabled musicians.

We’re delighted to announce that our Future Leaders programme is well underway!

An image with text reading 'Future Leaders'. There are 2 circular images of 2 young Disabled musicians taken in concert hall environments. Their names, Vinicius Motta and Georgina Spray, are displayed underneath. The bottom centre of the image also has logos for Youth Music, Arts Council England and Drake Music.

Funded by Youth Music, the project aims to support and promote inclusive, accessible practice in music-making. Working with young Disabled musicians aged 18-25, we wish to improve representation in the workforce by: 

  • Developing progression routes, new skills, and knowledge. 
  • Providing practical experiences. 
  • Exploring the variety of roles within the music sector, such as music leaders, project managers, facilitators and educators. 

Meet 2 of our Future Leaders 

Vinícius Motta 

Vinícius Motta standing against a wooden wall in a dimly lit concert hall. He is dressed in a sleek, black suit and a dark shirt, giving him a formal and confident appearance. His right hand is resting on his hip, and he gazes downward slightly, with a composed and calm expression. The lighting casts a warm glow on the wooden panels behind him, adding depth to the background and emphasizing the contrast between the light and shadow on his figure.

Photo: James Sharif 

Vinícius Motta is a Brazilian-English composer, arranger-orchestrator, and educator based in Birmingham (UK). His diverse portfolio mainly explores performer’s independence within an ensemble, timbre, and aleatoricism, while also incorporating his Brazilian heritage through South American rhythms, Portuguese texts, and his lived experiences. His works have earned recognition through performances by esteemed ensembles such as the Orchestra of the Swan, Contemporary Music for All, and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Notable venues where his works have been performed include Symphony Hall (Birmingham), St John’s Smith Square (London), and the CBSO Centre (Birmingham). 

Vinícius Motta is currently being supported by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust. 

Watch Vinícius in action:

 

 

Vinícius’ socials media and links:

Instagram
Website
YouTube 
Linktree 

Georgina Spray 

Georgie sitting down with the French horn. She is dressed all in black with headphones over her head, and is looking at sheet music.

Georgie is a 25 year old neurodivergent French horn player from rural Lincolnshire. She studied music performance at the University of Huddersfield and is currently studying for a Master’s degree in occupational therapy with a special interest in autism assessment and diagnosis. Georgie has been a member of the National Open Youth Orchestra (NOYO) since its inception and is also Assistant Music Leader for the Birmingham NOYO Ensemble. Georgie is passionate about making music accessible to all.   

Watch Georgie in action:

 

 

Georgie’s socials:

Follow Georgie on X 

We’ve very excited to be working with our Future Leaders at Drake Music, and would like to extend our thanks to Youth Music and Arts Council England who are kindly funding this important work.