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

Scottish Government YMI funding amplifies youth music access to the tune of £1.5m

The Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI) has provided over £1.5m of funding to 52 creative community projects engaging young people with music-making activities and opportunities across all of Scotland.

Published: 04 Jan 2024

Spotlight - A Festive YMI Symphony Across Scotland

In this month’s Spotlight, the YMI team reflect on the winners of the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards and continue on the tradition of rounding up this month’s festive events and offerings for music lovers.

Published: 13 Dec 2023

Spotlight - Enriching Music Education for Children and Young People

Members of the MEP Group Symposium from throughout the globe outside Scottish Parliament with a great view of Edinburgh’s Arthurs Seat, after their discussions with MSP Michelle Thompson.

Published: 10 Nov 2023