Youth Music Initiative

In 2003, the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI) was launched to put music at the heart of children and young people’s lives and learning. It currently operates with an annual budget of £9 million and supports all musical genres, age groups and teaching methods.

On this page you can learn more about the programme by reading the annual plan as well as recent impact reports and evaluations.

Youth Music Initiative Funding

Supporting high quality music making opportunities for young people aged 0 – 25 yrs.

YMI Downloads

Discover more about youth music in Scotland and the YMI programme through our latest reports, evaluations and case studies.

YMI Newsletter Sign Up

Stay up to date with the programme by signing up to the YMI newsletter

Youth Music Initiative 20th Anniversary Celebration

In 2022 we're celebrating a wonderful 20 years of the Youth Music Initiative.

Latest Stories from YMI

Spotlight - How YMI funding helps Scotland's brass musicians make some noise

In June's Spotlight we hear about how YMI funding has supported Scotland's young musicians to develop their skills in music - and more!

Published: 07 Jun 2022

Youth Music Initiative celebrates 20 years and incredible achievements from the past 2 decades

Launched in 2003 with the aim to break down barriers to encourage children’s talents flourish, Youth Music Initiative (YMI) funding has given children and young people across Scotland access to free music education, growing yearly participation to over 270,000 during a span of 20 years.

Published: 19 May 2022

Spotlight - Share your YMI stories

In May's Spotlight we hear from YMI Manager Morag McDonald about how you can help us celebrate 20 years of the Youth Music Initiative by sharing your stories.

Published: 09 May 2022

Spotlight - Music and maternal mental health

This month we hear from freelance musician Yvonne Wyroslawska, who was awarded Creative Scotland Open Funding to run music sessions for new mums and babies.

Published: 01 Apr 2022

Spotlight - Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion at the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland

Every month, the Youth Music Initiative (YMI) puts the spotlight on an activity or strand of work that is important to them. This month we hear from the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland and its Director Steven Blake, on the organisation’s progress with their Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion goals.

Published: 07 Mar 2022