Sony Music UK announce Beyond The Instrument 2025

07 March 2025 - Press release

City Academy, Hackney awarded grant for music equipment

 

Sony Music UK has announced the latest edition of Beyond the Instrument, its youth initiative dedicated to promoting music and creativity in schools and encouraging career development in the music industry.

In partnership with schools’ music charity Restore The Music UK, City Academy, Hackney was selected as the recipient of this year's initiative, recognising the school's ongoing commitment to music education. 

City Academy, Hackney received a carefully curated selection of high-quality musical instruments and cutting-edge music technology, equipping students with the tools to explore and develop their talents. The donation included brass and woodwind instruments to support the creation of a flagship big band ensemble, alongside state-of-the-art DJ controllers, synthesisers, and digital mixing desks to elevate the school’s music technology provisions. The investment aimed to break down financial barriers to participation and empower students to engage in music performance and production.

To mark the third year of the programme, Ministry of Sound’s Sigala visited City Academy, Hackney. Sigala listened to performances by the students and shared insights into his career and engaged with students with an insightful Q&A, providing them with an invaluable opportunity to learn from a successful music professional.

Sigala commented: "Music has been such a huge part of my life, and I know how powerful it can be in shaping young people's futures. Being able to visit City Academy, Hackney and connect with students who are so passionate about music was an amazing experience. The Beyond the Instrument initiative is doing incredible work in giving young people the tools they need to explore their creativity, and I'm honored to have played a small part in that journey."

Further supporting the long-term impact of the initiative, Beyond the Instrument provided the school with access to expert-led workshops. These workshops will help staff and students fully utilise the new music equipment by enhancing their skills, focusing on both student engagement and professional development for teaching staff to ensure the new resources are seamlessly incorporated into the curriculum.

Charlotte Edgeworth, Sony Music UK’s Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact, commented: “Music has the power to inspire, connect, and transform lives. Through Beyond the Instrument, we remain committed to ensuring that more young people have the opportunity to develop their musical talents and pursue their creative ambitions. Sigala’s involvement brought an extra layer of excitement and inspiration to the students which was wonderful to witness.”

Polly Stepan Moore, CEO and Founder of Restore The Music UK, added: “Music is a powerful tool for change as it unlocks potential, so we are delighted to continue our partnership with Sony Music UK on its Beyond The Instrument initiative for the third year running, identifying and supporting schools where music education could make a profound difference in areas of greatest need. City Academy, Hackney has an inspiring vision, and we are excited to see how this new investment will shape its music programme.”

Elizabeth Jones, Head of Music at City Academy, Hackney, said “Our students were thrilled to meet Sigala and have the unique opportunity to perform in front of him. Engaging with a professional musician and gaining insights into his musical journey proved to be an invaluable experience, one that will undoubtedly inspire our students to pursue their aspirations within the creative industries. Music is a subject of great importance at The City Academy, Hackney. We are deeply grateful to the charity Restore the Music and to Sony Music for their continued support and recognition of our department. Their generosity enables us to advance our educational initiatives and provide our students with access to high-quality instruments and technology, enriching their learning experience.”