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 - Music for all with Track to the Wall

In this month’s Spotlight, discover how Articulate Cultural Trust and Hub uses participation in the arts and culture to improve outcomes for care experienced young Scots.

Published: 06 Feb 2023

Spotlight - Catriona Wallace on YMI and Bookbug through the years

This month's YMI Spotlight comes from team at Bookbug, exploring the benefits of sharing songs and rhymes with babies and their families.

Published: 13 Jan 2023

20 Festive Concerts to Celebrate 20 Years of Youth Music Initiative

We’ve rounded up 20 concerts taking place this month created for or with young people, so you can be part of the magic of music-making this festive season

Published: 07 Dec 2022