Music Volunteer - Practise Buddy

OOEF runs free music sessions for children aged 7–11 at two primary schools in Twerton and Whiteway. The sessions are so valued by the schools that children are released from maths lessons to attend. We need volunteers to sit alongside children as they practise — listening, encouraging, celebrating their progress. No musical experience needed. If you love music and care about young people, we would love to hear from you. About the role Orchestra of Everything Foundation (OOEF) delivers free, immersive music education to around 250 children aged 7–11 at St Michael's Junior School in Twerton and Roundhill Primary in Whiteway — two schools in nationally ranked deprived communities. Our impact is off the scale: school leaders tell us that 86% of children show improved attitudes to learning across all subjects, and we have been instrumental in a 39% reduction in pupil suspensions. Our work has caught the attention of the Department for Education, and Bath Spa University now incorporates our model into teacher training. As a Practice Buddy you sit alongside small groups of children as they work through their instruments — listening, encouraging and celebrating their progress. You will work in a team of 5–10 at all times; no one ever works alone with children. Training and mentoring are built in from day one. What you'll bring • A warm, patient approach with primary-school-age children • Reliability — children build trust with familiar faces, and a volunteer who keeps coming back has a disproportionate impact • Comfort working as part of a team in a school environment • A love of music — you don't need to play a note Time commitment Most volunteers come in weekly or fortnightly during term time — a typical session is around 1.5–2 hours on a Wednesday afternoon (more days planned). Some come via company or organisation rotas (like Camella estate agents and Bathavon Rotary Club), others as University of Bath students fitting volunteering around their studies. One-off or ad hoc sessions are also very welcome. We will work around whatever suits you. What you'll get from it • The chance to see children grow in confidence and ability in real time — often children who struggle in conventional classroom settings • A supportive, welcoming team with training and mentoring provided • The knowledge that this is genuinely high-impact work — these children's lives are being changed • DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF