Upbeat
What was the LMTO Upbeat Programme?
LMTO Upbeat was designed and succeeded in transforming UK secondary school students with no prior musical experience into concert performers in just 8 weeks.
Over 6 successful years the programme established a new orchestra in partner schools, and West End musicians guided students on the journey from first picking up a musical instrument to performing in a concert in front of friends and family.
LMTO Upbeat was an amazing project that we are so proud of as it gave young people a chance to discover the joy, confidence and purpose that comes from making music as a group.
Inspiring the Next Orchestral Musicians
In partnership with schools and music services, LMTO Upbeat inspired practical music making in everyday life for students at secondary schools through the medium of musical theatre.
With opportunities to learn a new instrument, continue developing on a current instrument, perform, sing and work together in an ensemble, there’s been something for everyone.
Redefining the Orchestra in Schools
‘Orchestral’ instruments can often be misconstrued as purely ‘classical’ instruments.
LMTO Upbeat’s aim was to debunk that image of classical only and demonstrate the versatility and accessibility of instrumental playing to all, inspiring a new generation of musicians.
Through working alongside West End musicians across a series of weeks, students took up the opportunity to explore instrumental playing, musical theatre, and the music profession up close.
2022 Projects - Luton
In Autumn 2022 LMTO Upbeat entered its second year, delivering two projects side by side in Luton.
The project engaged 90 students across two schools, aged between 12-15 years old, introducing them to new instruments and culminating in a performance of musical theatre numbers at each school.
The Outcomes
As a direct result of the project, Chiltern Academy introduced peripatetic lessons for the first time and now boast a full timetable with over 60 students having lessons. Queen Elizabeth School have relaunched their peripatetic offer following a hiatus during the pandemic and have formed a new band of LMTO Upbeat participants, with the support of our LMTO Upbeat library.
Click the links above to read more about the project and hear what the students thought!
Our partners for LMTO Upbeat
