Music Connects | Surrey Arts
March 2026
Images © Big Leaf Foundation
Music Connects started in 2020 in response to the increase in social isolation during lockdown. For displaced young people beginning new lives in the UK, one of the many challenges is how to build positive connections within their new community. Language and cultural barriers, separate ESOL classes in colleges and the lack of family and community networks make it challenging to meet and mix with local young people.
This works both ways. Many young people growing up in Surrey have no idea how many of their peers are restarting new lives in the same area, often alone and after great hardship. There are very few opportunities for these two groups to meet and make friends and we wanted to change that.
This works both ways. Many young people growing up in Surrey have no idea how many of their peers are restarting new lives in the same area, often alone and after great hardship. There are very few opportunities for these two groups to meet and make friends and we wanted to change that.
“I’ve made friends with literally everyone here because they've been so nice to everyone. It’s been really nice to meet people from so many different backgrounds.”
Hannah, Music Connects Participant
Hannah, Music Connects Participant
The first phase of this project brings together young people from both displaced and local youth communities in Surrey to write and record a song. We begin with a 3 day residential at Jamie’s Farm in Lewes, using the wonderful teambuilding activities of farming, gardening, cooking and games to build friendship and understanding in the group. Cultural and background differences are put aside and we focus on working together to write and perform a song.
The second phase of the project focuses on recording, producing and launching the song. Working with partners like the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM), we offer the opportunity to experience what it's like to record a song professionally. During this phase, the bonds between the young people become even more visible as they work together in the studio, encouraging each other and sharing the excitement of hearing their song come to life.
In our most recent Music Connects project (2025–2026), that journey led the group to the stage at the Stars in Surrey Awards, where they performed their original song Kindness in Style.
The second phase of the project focuses on recording, producing and launching the song. Working with partners like the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM), we offer the opportunity to experience what it's like to record a song professionally. During this phase, the bonds between the young people become even more visible as they work together in the studio, encouraging each other and sharing the excitement of hearing their song come to life.
In our most recent Music Connects project (2025–2026), that journey led the group to the stage at the Stars in Surrey Awards, where they performed their original song Kindness in Style.
“My favourite moment has to be when we performed on stage with all those incredible young people because no one shied away from it... having the opportunity to be there and share this moment with the young people was such a highlight.”
Sara, Surrey Arts Music Tutor
Sara, Surrey Arts Music Tutor
As part of the project, we also host community open mic events in partnership with The Boileroom, where young people from Music Connects and their friends come ready to sing, play and (always) dance.
Our partners from the local community participate in these events as well, and the evenings are always an explosion of different music styles, instruments from around the world and a strong sense of connection between everyone.
Our partners from the local community participate in these events as well, and the evenings are always an explosion of different music styles, instruments from around the world and a strong sense of connection between everyone.
“I recommend Music Connects to all people because music connects us in ways words often cannot.”
F, Music Connects Participant
F, Music Connects Participant
With thanks to the brilliant Surrey Arts tutors for their guidance, the team at Jamies’ Farm for their support and to the participants themselves for their enthusiasm, creativity and open-mindedness.
Over the last 5 years young people have written and recorded several tracks which are a blend of languages and musical styles from around the world, including:
I Will Find My Way
Colour and Life
Remember Who You Are
You can stream all of these tracks on SoundCloud using the links above.
I Will Find My Way
Colour and Life
Remember Who You Are
You can stream all of these tracks on SoundCloud using the links above.
Project partners
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