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← Music Of Life Foundation

2024-12-31-accounts

Annual Report & Accounts 2024 MUSIC •F LIFE tysicthk melpy sicol.or •F LIFE fflusic makes me happy

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Annual Report & Accounts 2024

Charity Overview

Contents

Charity Overview - 03 Welcome from the Chair of Trustees - 04 CEO’s Report - 05 Key Facts and Figures - 06 Individual Lessons Programme - 08 Music for Deaf Children - 09 Choirs in Special Schools - 10 Young Leaders Programme - 11 Plans for 2025 - 11 Trustees’ Report - 12 Independent Examiner’s Report - 14 Statement of Financial Activities - 15 Balance Sheet - 16 Statement of Cash Flows - 17 Notes on Financial Statements - 18 Thank You to Our Donors - 22 Legal and Administrative Details - 23

Established in 2003, Music of Life is a specialist charity that supports the development and well-being of children and young people with disabilities and special needs through the provision of regular high-quality music-making opportunities. To date, we have worked with over 6,000 participants, many of whom engaged in term-time activities for six years or more.

The unique feature of our work is continuity. Positive impact can be traced at many levels – cognitively, physically, emotionally, academically, and socially. Furthermore, our activities positively affect wider groups – families, schools, local communities, and educational bodies. Our students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and many are extremely vulnerable and experience isolation.

Our Vision

Our vision is for all disabled children and young people to be able to access, and benefit from, music-making opportunities.

In our work we address inequality, financial and social barriers and lack of provision within the educational sector. All of these prevent children and young people with multiple and complex disabilities and special needs from accessing music making that is vital and, in many cases, transformational to their development.

Our projects are based in London, the Midlands and North of England. In 2024 we worked with over 1400 direct beneficiaries and their school communities.

Our Mission

Our mission is to build and strengthen the life skills, well-being and confidence of disabled children and young people through music-making

Our Programmes

Choirs at Special Schools Music for Deaf Children Individual Music Lessons Teacher Training & Work Experience Community Integration

Music of Life Annual Report & Accounts 2024

musicoflife.org.uk

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Welcome from the Chair of Trustees

2024 was a remarkable year for Music of Life. With continued support from trusts and foundations, and an exceptional individual gift, we were able to deepen our impact across all our programmes. We extended our support for children and young people with disabilities, launched pioneering inclusion sessions that brought together choirs from special needs and mainstream schools, and expanded our work with young people transitioning into adulthood. We also took important steps to strengthen the charity’s capacity as we prepare for the next stage of our development.

Building on this momentum, we felt there was a need to reframe the scope and direction of our work. This is now expressed in four key priority areas:

This strategic framework will not only guide our decisions but will also provide a clear structure for measuring and reporting our progress in the years ahead.

We are very grateful for the generous backing that has made this progress possible. Although our total grant income was 8% below the previous year, we received exceptional support from both long-standing and new donors. We greatly appreciate multi-year grants from the City Bridge Foundation, the Karlsson Jativa Charitable Trust Foundation, the Brian Murtagh Charitable Trust and the Edward Gostling Fund for their 5-year endowment. We are also very grateful for the many other grants including from the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Boots Charitable Trust, the Headley Trust, and The gunnercooke Foundation.

Recognising the need to continue to grow our visibility and diversify income, the Board made the decision to invest in a Head of Development and Communications,

thanks to an extremely generous donation with matched funding from a loyal supporter. We were pleased to welcome Katie Baxter into the role this year, with a designated reserve for two years supporting her work in building sustainable funding streams.

The Board met six times over the year, guiding our programme and organisation development, financial progress and fundraising strategy. A key focus was the preparation of our 2026–28 Strategy and Business Plan. We also undertook a full revision of our risk management framework, implementing a regular review process.

We welcomed four new trustees, including our new Treasurer, to the Board. They bring a wealth of expertise in finance, accounting and law, along with valuable lived experience supporting children with disabilities. We greatly look forward to their guidance and contributions as we move ahead. Cathy Clarke, our Vice Chair, stepped down at the end of the year after eight years on the Board. We are very grateful to her for her great contribution.

Our Advisory Council continues to provide excellent guidance and support. The Council was kept up to date on the implementation of the National Plan for Music Education, offered valuable feedback on Music of Life programmes and provided both context and very valuable insight for our planning. Three members left the Council at the end of its first three years, and we welcomed two new appointees with lived experience and specialist teaching knowledge.

None of our work would be possible without our incredible community. I want to sincerely thank Maria, our CEO, for her inspiring leadership, our outstanding music teachers who bring each session to life, as well as our volunteer administrator, our fundraising contractor, and our independent book-keeping firm.

As we look to 2025 and beyond, we are bringing with us the progress and the learning of this past year. With a clear strategy, committed supporters, and a passionate team, Music of Life is poised to reach even more children and young people- empowering them to express themselves, connect with others, and grow in confidence through music.

Ray Longbottom, Chair

CEO’s Re ort p

I am delighted to present my report for 2024, a year filled with achievements, new initiatives, and our unwavering commitment to being driven by and inspired by the incredible potential of the young people we work with – our new best year to date, with a total of over 1,400 direct beneficiaries! This year has been particularly special as we celebrated our 20th anniversary, reflecting on the legacy of long-term provision and making significant strides in our strategic planning, which stems from years of collaboration with our stakeholders across key programmes.

We celebrated this milestone with our Choirs in Special Schools by initiating a series of concerts, bringing together a total of over 400 participants and pupils from local mainstream schools to rehearse and perform to supportive and welcoming audiences representing families from both schools – a model that received enthusiastic feedback and is set to continue next year. The format of our joint concerts has proven effective, utilising accessible venues such as school premises, which enable local school communities to connect through music and experience the joy of singing, shared by students from diverse backgrounds.

We have observed impressive growth among our long-term beneficiaries, many of whom have blossomed into confident leaders. We are excited to pilot a Young Leaders Programme, designed to nurture those interested in taking on leadership roles within our choirs, particularly focusing on students in Years 10–13.

The Music for Deaf Children Programme has demonstrated ongoing success, led by professional Deaf and hearing musicians. The participating schools report improved engagement among their students across subjects, along with enhanced musical skills and awareness, which open new opportunities for communication. In 2024, we introduced a peer support network aimed at fostering growth among less experienced practitioners – both Deaf and hearing – which facilitates shared learning through focus groups and mentoring sessions.

The inaugural year of the Music of Life pilot course, 'Music Education for Deaf Children,' at the Royal College of Music has proven highly successful, with the first group of students graduating in April. Their feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the practical experiences gained through school visits. The second year of the programme commenced in September 2024 with a new cohort, adding emphasis on practical experience and an introduction to British Sign Language.

Our weekly individual music lessons with specialist teachers have expanded into new areas this year, while also serving an increasing number of students in previously reached schools. Throughout this programme, several beneficiaries achieved impressive musical milestones, such as top ABRSM grades and festival awards, while others experienced transformative benefits by learning an instrument or participating in group playing and singing for the very first time. Importantly, many students were able to overcome personal and social barriers through these enriching experiences.

As we reflect on the successes of 2024, it is both exciting and inspiring to see how the remarkable achievements of our choirs and individual students, the growth of our practitioner team, and the expansion of our initiatives reaffirm our mission. We look forward to building on this progress, exploring new opportunities, and continuing to support positive transformations through the power of music. I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this journey, and I eagerly anticipate an even more impactful year ahead.

Maria Teterina, CEO

Music of Life Annual Report & Accounts 2024

musicoflife.org.uk

----- Start of picture text -----
INDIVIDUAL MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES
PROVIDED BY MUSIC OF LIFE IN 2024
42,060
6
2024 IN NUMBERS
1402
126
DIRECT
BENEFICIARIES
STUDENTS RECEIVING
1:1 LESSONS
5
24
MUSIC FOR DEAF
CHILDREN SCHOOL SCHOOLS WITH
10
PROGRAMMES INDIVIDUAL LESSON
CHOIRS IN PROVISION
SPECIAL NEEDS
SCHOOLS
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Number of activities per programme
174 33
3,020
DAYS OF MUSIC TEACHER TRAINING
PROVISION IN DEAF INDIVIDUAL LESSONS DAYS AND PEER SUPPORT
SESSIONS
SCHOOLS 292
CHORAL SESSIONS
IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS
102
CONCERTS, ASSEMBLIES
AND COMMUNTY
ENGAGEMENT PROJECTS
Summary of music provision
40 44
1098 KEYBOARDS WOODWIND
VOICES 26
18 PERCUSSION/
STRING OTHER
120
MUSIC IN
11 CLASSROOM FOR DEAF CHILDREN 10 7
MUSIC THEORY MUSIC
23
TECHNOLOGY
FOLK /
TRADITIONAL 12
COMPOSITION
2024 Key Facts and Figures
Our beneficiaries’
primary conditions
PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Disability) 66% 42%
Deaf / Hard of Hearing 20%
Physical disability Blind / Visually Impaired 8%6% 58%
 Many of our students have more than one condition,
with 63% also on the autistic spectrum.
Ethnicity
82 [%]
of our current students
White British/ White Other
are on Pupil Premium
Global Majority Groups
musicoflife.org.uk
----- End of picture text -----

Music of Life Annual Report & Accounts 2024

Individual Lessons Programme

Our Individual Lessons Programme are weekly specialist music lessons that can last, depending on students’ level, needs and abilities, from 20 mins to 1.5 hours and are delivered on a vast variety of instruments and also include composition, music theory and music technology. We also support students who are ready to join a band, youth ensemble or choir, with their Music of Life teacher on their side, to attend these groups for several weeks to help both the students and the group to adjust.

Success stories in our Individual lessons can look very different. From deafblind children learning the concepts of rhythm and patterns through vibrations of the instrument through to young people with profound and multiple disabilities achieving performance-level degrees in music, they are always stories of dedication, perseverance and long- term commitment.

Our delivery partners:

Music for Deaf Children

This programme is a mix of classroom music provision (in small groups of 5-7 children) and 1:1 instrument teaching. It started in 2017 and has since grown from one to five schools for Deaf children in London and Hertfordshire. The unique methodology was developed by Ruth Montgomery, our Programme Lead and a professional Deaf musician and music teacher who has been associated with Music of Life since her student years. Ruth supports and mentors a small team of practitioners, some of them are also Deaf musicians, some are hearing music practitioners who are fluent in British Sign Language.

In 2024 Music of Life delivered weekly music sessions and lessons in five schools:

Korede (originally from Africa) started James Wolfe School in January, facing emotional challenges and communication barriers. He found solace in the visual 8 aspects of piano learning, which didn't rely heavily on verbal instruction. It's heartening to see his progress; he's grasped the concepts of high and low pitches, finger numbering, and can play several tunes. His confidence has blossomed, and we've even started using British Sign Language to discuss music.

" Michael has just sat his GCSEs (a huge achievement) and will now move on to A Levels. Over the past few years I have noticed a profound change in his ability to communicate. We are all seeing sides of Michael that were hidden a few year ago, including a great sense of irony and humour. His management of his own time is now much improved and he is able to answer questions and engage in dialogue in great detail, which was a barrier before. I have no doubt that the regular lessons we have had together over the years have been a great contributing factor to this."

All children have shown an understanding of different notes and reading music. Ruth has done an amazing job teaching them musical skills through visuals. The children are excited to learn from her every week! It is extremely empowering for pupils to have a positive deaf role model leading the sessions and sharing a 'can do' attitude. 9

Royal College of Music

The first year of the pilot Music of Life course at the Royal College of Music, designed to train young musicians interested in working with Deaf and Disabled children, was completed in April 2024. Led by Ruth Montgomery, it consists of seven seminars on specific topics, followed by school visits where students observe Ruth's teaching in schools for Deaf children involved in the Music of Life programme.

We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, especially regarding the school visits, which provided invaluable firsthand experience. Students observed lessons, participated in breakaway sessions, and performed for the children. Suggestions for improvement included teaching basic British Sign Language (BSL). Starting in September 2024, we commenced the second year of the course with a new cohort, maintaining the same structure while incorporating feedback, increasing school visits, and introducing more practical leadership experience.

Music of Life Annual Report & Accounts 2024

musicoflife.org.uk

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Choirs in S ecial Schools p

Our longest-standing programme started in 2014. The schools we work in cater for learners with complex mental, physical, learning and emotional needs. They come from wide geographical areas and are mainly from very disadvantaged backgrounds, including looked after children, those from low-income households and families with multiple members with disabilities.

Our weekly sessions, led by a minimum of three experienced musicians, are fully inclusive, being open to every student irrespective of the level of their access needs. The sessions bring together the whole school for an hour of joy and fun and are hugely anticipated. Staff comment frequently on how the school atmosphere is better on their Music of Life days, describing the very special “buzz” we bring with us! Most of the songs and singing games currently used in Music of Life sessions have been written by our music leaders – high-profile musicians, composers and experienced choral practitioners – specifically with our choirs in mind. The repertoire is uniquely versatile and accessible and provides opportunities to participate in many ways, including use of Makaton language, sensory equipment and assistive technology.

In 2024, we worked in 10 special schools:

Young Leaders Programme

One of the most significant developments that we observed throughout the celebratory concerts was the level of engagement and confidence in our older students who have been singing in Music of Life choirs for many years. Capable and enthusiastic, they readily volunteer to lead the songs, standing in front of the choir and not being shy of the audience.

These promising young people don’t want to leave music behind after they finish school. In response to this need, we designed a programme to run focus groups for those students interested in music leadership. The pilot year of the Young Leaders Programme will commence in September 2025. We are exploring synergies with other organisations with a view to creating pathways to work for our participants through collaborative efforts.

Several students who were initially non-verbal joined in with the choir and then started singing! 83% of learners who attend choir had met or exceeded their end of year target in Communication skills. The skills developed through the choir have definitely contributed to their overall achievement.

Learners have made remarkable progress over time with their attention and listening skills. Participation in inclusion with the other school choir has developed some learners’ teamwork, communication, and cooperation, helping them to develop better social interactions and build friendships.

Focus and safe behaviour are noticeably improved during Music of Life sessions and this is transferred to other areas of school.

Celebratory Concerts

June 2024 was full of amazing concerts and beautiful moments. Six of our schools presented concerts for the parents and friends as we celebrated Music of Life’s 20th anniversary and also 10-year anniversaries with some of our choirs.

This year for the first time our participants were performing with mainstream students in joint concerts that brought together local schools. Each concert was a full house and the atmosphere was incredible. All schools are keen for the collaboration to continue next year with further integration of the choirs on regular basis.

Plans for 2025

We are delighted to bring our Choirs in Special Schools programme to three special schools in Brent from September 2025. We are utilising our existing working link with the Brent Music Service and involving experienced practitioners who are currently running our choirs in several special schools in the Midlands.

musicoflife.org.uk

Music of Life Annual Report & Accounts 2024

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Trustees’ Report

For the year ending 31 December 2024

Introduction

The Trustees who are also the Directors of the limited company have pleasure in presenting their Report together with the financial statements of Music of Life Foundation Charity for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Legal and administrative information set out on page 23 forms part of this Report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Articles of Association, applicable law and Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities 2019.

Structure, Governance & Management

Music of Life Foundation is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Articles of Association dated 12 November 2003 and amended by special resolution on 11 July 2019 to bring the Charity’s governing documents into line with current company and charity law and good practice. The Charity is registered at Companies House as No. 4963498. It is a charity registered with the Charity Commission as No. 1102827.

The Foundation is managed by a Board, the members of which have the legal status of directors of the charitable company (the Charity) and are its Trustees for the purpose of charity law. The Board meets at least six times a year to have a close view on performance against objectives and to have more flexibility to react to arising issues.

Selection and Appointment of Trustees

The Trustees appoint new members by general agreement. Regular reviews are conducted to ensure that the Board has the necessary skills. New trustees take part in an induction process when they receive copies of the Charity’s Articles of Association, are fully briefed on their obligations under charity and company law, and are given information on the decision-making processes, the financial performance of the Charity, the regular review of the Risk Assessment and the business plan.

Trustees with specific expertise brief the Board from time to time on current topics, more broadly trustees are encouraged to keep up-to-date with developments in the sector and to take advantage of the many training opportunities available from various bodies.

Objectives and Activities of the Foundation for the Public Benefit

Music of Life Foundation's objectives are the advancement of the education of disabled children in the arts and, in particular, the art of music by:

• Providing access to facilities for study, for creative development and access to both standard and creative organisations, on equal terms with other children,

• Organising of national and international musical events, competitions and concerts in which disabled children can participate thus helping them to realise their potential, and

• Supporting research undertaken into the educational and therapeutic use of the arts and in particular the art of music for the benefit of disabled children

Risk Management

The Trustees regularly review the major risks to which the Charity is exposed and take action where appropriate to mitigate them. The Trustees consider the two greatest risks to be:

• the unpredictability and short-term nature of much of our funding to be the greatest risk in the short to medium term.

• the sudden loss of key individuals involved in the management of the charity and in delivering its programmes

Our fundraising is focussed on securing longer term grants and we have added a new role in our leadership team to work on diversifying our income streams. We are seeking to mitigate the loss of key individuals by regular training of additional contractors, who shadow and work with our workshop leaders.

Financial Review

Total income was £398,655 an increase of 66% over 2023. This major increase resulted from an unexpected and exceptionally generous match-funded individual donation. Income from Trusts and Foundations, which comprises the majority of our income, was 8% below the previous year as several multi-year grants came to an end. Many of the trusts and foundations have been regular supporters and we greatly appreciate their continuing support. Our overall charitable expenditure increased by 30% to £284,430 (2023: £219,264). Fundraising activities cost £19,837, giving total costs of £304,267.

Restricted reserves at year end at £53,248 were £14,499 (21%) lower than at the start of the year and whilst some programmes were well funded others required supplementary funding from unrestricted reserves. On receipt of the major donation, the Directors decided to take the opportunity to invest in the charity’s ability to build sustainable income streams and set aside £100,000 in a designated reserve to support this work for 2 years. Excluding the designated reserve, unrestricted reserves at the start of 2025 were £72,340 an increase of £20,036. In early 2025 we received a further significant boost to our unrestricted reserves, which will support the existing programmes with a shortage of funding, whilst also enabling the development of new programmes. In total, we are carrying forward reserves of £214,439 (2023: £120,051). Excluding the balance of the designated reserve (£88,851), reserves stood at £125,588 (2023:£120,051). We continue to apply for restricted funding for the 25/26 academic year to supplement that already committed.

Going Concern

We will continue to focus on building long term relationships with new and existing funders. In addition to the funding mentioned above, we continue to actively apply for grants from Trusts & Foundations. The Board has adopted a rigorous risk assessment process to identify and mitigate any major risks. Consequently, the Trustees believe that it is appropriate to continue to prepare the accounts on a going concern basis.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees review the reserves policy at least annually, or on the occurrence of material changes in the Charity’s activities. The Trustees have reviewed the Charity’s requirements for reserves and have decided to hold a sufficient balance of unrestricted reserves to cover 6 months of planned expenditure to ensure financial stability and act as a safeguard against unpredictable income streams. In general, we do not commit to projects until funding is secured. These funds are usually received at the start of a project while expenditure follows on a monthly basis. Excluding the designated reserve, unrestricted reserves stand at £72,340 which represents 11 months of cover. This increase is being directed to programme funding to fill the short term gaps which resulted from multi year funding streams coming to an end in 2024 and thereby ensuring continuity of programme delivery.

Free reserves are part of the charity’s unrestricted funds that are freely available to spend on any of the charity's purposes. Free reserves are cash or liquid funds and do not include tangible fixed assets.

Statement Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the charity keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 and for preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Act relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company. Each of the Trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the independent examination, but of which the Examiner is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the Examiner is aware of such information. This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Act relating to small entities.

Approved by the Board on 15 May 2025 and signed on its behalf:

R A Longbottom, Chair of Trustees

Music of Life Annual Report & Accounts 2024

musicoflife.org.uk

Activities (For the year ended 31 December 2024)

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Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Music of Life Foundation

Statement of Financial

2024 2023
Notes Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds 2024 Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Income From
Donations 2 225,923 137,800 363,723 49,776 161,650 211,426
Invoiced income 22,952 11,318 34,270 15,228 12,533 27,761
Investment Income 662 - 662 457 - 457
Total Income 249,537 149,118 398,655 65,461 174,183 239,644
Expenditure on
Raising Funds 19,837 - 19,837 20,107 - 20,107
Charitable Activities 119,750 164,680 284,430 71,105 148,159 219,264
Total Expenditure 3 139,587 164,860 304,267 91,212 148,159 239,371
Net Income/(Expenditure)
109,950
(15,562)
94,388
(25,751)
26,024
273
~~ee~~
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 52,304 67,747 120,051 62,608 57,170 119,778
Transfer between funds (1,063) 1,063 - 15,447 (15,447) -
Total funds carried forward 161,191 53,248 214,439 52,304 67,747 120,051

Music of Life Annual Report & Accounts 2024

musicoflife.org.uk

At 31 December 2024

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Balance Sheet

Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Note 2024 2023 £ £ Fixed Assets 6 44 312 ~~—~~ Current Assets Debtors 7 612 17,403 Cash at Bank 228,089 111,981 228,701 129,384 ~~—==~~ Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 8 (14,306) (9,645) Net current assets 214,395 119,739 Total net assets 214,439 120,051 16 The funds of the charity Unrestricted funds 9 72,340 52,304 Designated Unrestricted Funds 88,851 Restricted Funds 9, 10 53,248 67,747 Total charity funds 214,439 120,051 - ~~——~~ For the year ending 31 December 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Directors’ responsibilities:

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

These accounts were approved by the Board on 15 May 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

R A Longbottom

2024 2023 £ £ Cashflow from operating activities: Net cash provided by (used in) operating actitivies 115,446 (14,527) Cashflow from investing activities: Interest received 662 457

115,446 662 - ~~-~~

Net cash from investing activities 662 457 - - Cashflow from financing activities: ~~OS~~ Change in cash and cash equivalent in the reporting period 116,108 (14,070) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period 111,981 126,051 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 228,089 111,981 ~~——~~

Change in cash and cash equivalent in the reporting period
116,108
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period
111,981
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period
228,089
~~——~~		 Change in cash and cash equivalent in the reporting period
116,108
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period
111,981
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period
228,089
~~——~~		 (14,070)
126,051
111,981
~~——~~
Reconciliation of net income/ (expenditure) to net cash flow from operating activities
Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period (as per the
statement of financial activities)
~~ee~~		 2024
£
93,726		 2023
£
(184)
Adjustment for:
Depreciation charges 268 268
(Increase)/decrease in debtors 16,791 (9,471)
Increase/(decrease) in creditors 4,661 (5,140)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 115,446 (14,527)

Chair

Music of Life Annual Report & Accounts 2024

musicoflife.org.uk

Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024

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Notes on Financial

1. Principal accounting policies

Fundraising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities. Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the Charity and include project management. Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the Charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

(a) Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) – (Charities SORP FRS 102), and the Companies Act 2006.

(e) Fund accounting

(b) Company status

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Income arising on designated funds can be used in accordance with the objects of the Charity and is included in unrestricted funds. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund.

The Charity is limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the trustees named on page 23. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the Charity.

(c) Income recognition

Income from voluntary grants, legacies and donations are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when received unless the grant specifically funds the Charity’s expenditure, in which case income and expenditure are allocated to the relevant period and matched.

(d) Resources expended

Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources.

(f) Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are depreciated on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:

• Office equipment and website - 20% per annum

2. Donations

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted 2024 Total
£ £ £
Donations for the year included:
Events and individual donations 91,243 91,243
Corporate match funding for an individual 75,000 75,000
donation
City Bridge Foundation 49,550 49,550
Garfield Weston Foundation 20,000 20,000
The Karlsson Játiva Charitable Foundation 20,000 20,000
The Brian Murtagh Charitable Trust 15,000 15,000
Boots Charitable Trust 10,000 10,000
The Eveson Trust 10,000 10,000
The Headley Trust 10,000 10,000
The gunnercooke Foundation 10,000 10,000
Hayes Foundation 5,750 5,750
Masonic Charitable Trust 5,000 5,000
The Powell Family Foundation 5,000 5,000
The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust 4,000 4,000
----- End of picture text -----

2. Donations (continued)

2. Donations (continued)
Unrestricted
£		 Restricted
£		 2024 Total
£
Co-Op CommunityFund 3,413 3,413
Woodlands Special School Fundraiser 3,000 3,000
The Grantham Yorke Trust 2,500 2,500
Frognal Foundation 2,000 2,000
ShanleyFoundation 1,000 1,000
Gif Aid 21,267 21,267
Total 225,923 137,800 363,723

3. Analysis of total expenditure

Staf Costs
£		 Other
Direct Costs
£		 Depreciation
£		 Governance
costs
£		 2024
£		 2023
£
RaisingFunds - 19,200 - 637 19,837 20,107
Charitable Activities 55,501 219,531 268 9,130 284,430 219,264
Total for Charity 55,501 238,731 268 9,767 304,267 239,371
Governance Costs Include 2024
£		 2023
£
Payroll fee 545 549
Independent examiner’s fee 984 956
Annual report design 1,100 1,100
Trustees recruitment 5,207 600
Trustees expenses and meetingcosts 1,760 137
Othergovernance costs 171 86
Total 9,767 3,428

4. Staff Costs

4. Staf Costs
2024
£		 2023
£
Staf costs were as follows:
Salaries and National Insurance 54,121 36,043
Pension costs 1,380 894
Total 55,501 36,937
2024
No.		 2023
No.
Administration and support 2 1
Total 2 1

No member of staff was paid £60,000 or more during the year (2023 - nil).

5. Trustees remuneration and expenses

No Trustees received any remuneration in respect of their services as a member of the committee during the year (2023: £nil). Trustees were reimbursed £nil for travel and other expenses (2023: £nil).

Music of Life Annual Report & Accounts 2024

musicoflife.org.uk

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Notes on Financial

Statements (Continued...)

9. Movement in funds

6. Tangible fixed assets

6. Tangible fxed assets
2024 2023
Ofce Equipm’t
£		 Website
£		 Total
£		 Ofce Equipm’t
£		 Website
£		 Total
£
Cost
At 31 December 2023 5,342 6,000 11,342 5,342 6,000 11,342
Addition - - - - - -
Disposal - - - - - -
At 31 December 2024 5,342 6,000 11,342 5,342 6,000 11,342
Depreciation
At 31 December 2023 5,030 6,000 11,030 4,762 6,000 10,762
Charge for theyear 268 - 268 268 - 268
Disposal - - - -
At 31 December 2024 5,298 6,000 11,298 5,030 6,000 11,030
Net book value
At 31 December 2024 44 - 44 312 - 312
At 31 December 2023 312 - 312 580 - 580

7. Debtors: Due within one year

7. Debtors: Due within one year
2024
£		 2023
£
Trade Debtors - 1,863
Prepayments 612 612
Accrued Income - 14,928
Total 612 17,403
9. Movement in funds
At 1 January
2024
£		 Incoming
Resources
£		 Resources
Expended
£		 Transfer
between
funds
£		 At 31
December
2024
£
Unrestricted Undesignated Funds 52,304 149,537 (128,438) (1,063) 72,340
Unrestricted Designated Funds 100,000 (11,149) 88,851
Restricted Funds 67,747 149,118 (164,680) 1,063 53,248
Total Funds 120,051 398,655 (304,267) - 214,439

An amount of the Unrestricted Fund has been designated for a specific development purpose spanning a two year period, and is shown separately on the accounts for clarity.

10. Restricted Funds

10. Restricted Funds
Funds for
Individual
Lesson
programmes
£		 Funds for
Choral
Workshops
£		 Funds
for Deaf
Schools
Programme
in London
£		 Funds for
Teacher
Training
£		 Concert
£		 Total
£
Opening balance at 1st Jan 2024 15,803 27,142 21,265 3,537 - 67,747
New funds received 40,454 62,038 26,516 16,518 3,592 149,118
Transfer of funds to Project Administration (5,277) (8,571) (3,459) (2,154) - (19,461)
Expenses (57,844) (68,012) (22,472) (7,724) (8,628) (164,680)
Reserves transfer to cover Project Shortfall 12,670 - - - 7,854 20,524
Closing funds at 31 December 2024 5,806 12,597 21,850 10,177 2,818 53,248

11. Related party transactions

8. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

8. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
£		 2023
£
Trade Creditor 4,526 5,050
Accruals 5,637 4,421
Deferred Income 3.672 0
Other creditor 471 174
Total 14,306 9,645

The Trustees in office during the year are listed on page 23. The trustees have no financial interests in the charity’s results or assets and received no remuneration for acting in that capacity. There are no related party transactions for disclosure during the year.

Music of Life Annual Report & Accounts 2024

musicoflife.org.uk

~~—~~ 22

23

Thank You to Our Donors

We are fully committed to sustaining our ongoing, long-term projects, and we greatly appreciate the support of our funders who share our values and believe in the importance of continuous engagement.

We are also deeply grateful for grants and donations that are forward-facing and enable us to pilot new, groundbreaking projects and strengthen our organisation, allowing us to meet the growing need for our services.

Message of support from our major individual supporters, Yuri and Irina Bedny:

“ Words are the language of the brain, while music is the language of the soul. Giving children the opportunity to study music is a deeply meaningful pursuit—it brings purpose to life and enhances the wellbeing of so many around us.

Witnessing deaf children take part in music lessons felt nothing short of miraculous. The connection between the silent world and the hearing world, formed through music and choir, is a powerful bridge that transcends all boundaries.”

Legal and Administrative Details

Charity number: 1102827 Company number: 4963498 Registered address: 54 Portland Place London, W1B 1DY Trustees: Ray Longbottom (Chair) Catherine Clarke (Vice Chair, resigned 28 November 2024) Sarah Kolkman (Treasurer, resigned 1 June 2024) Louise Shepherd-Evans (Treasurer, appointed 14 October 2024) Sophie Brüggemann Emma Dearnaley (appointed 1 May 2024) Valentina Di Venuta (appointed 1 May 2024) Stefano Filippi Lily Harriss Tristen Hennigs Belinda Kembery (appointed 1 May 2024) Alexander McHardy

Maria Teterina, Chief Executive

Team

Katie Baxter - Head of Development and Communications (appointed 14 October 2024) Suzzie Vango, Head of Choirs

Ruth Montgomery, Music for Deaf Children Programme Lead

Gina Baker, Community Engagement and Events Manager

Gina Baker, Naomi Berry, Zoe Challenor, Emma Cockbill, Miriam Dubois, Rachel Edmonds, Olga Elbourn, Charlotte Galloway, Lucy Hollins, Sofia Hunt, Jessica Lawrence-Hares, Robin Morton, Charlie Penn, Helena Raeburn, Shivani Rattan - Workshop leaders Shruti Soni, Accountant

We would like to thank our individual donors for their amazing support that empowers the young people we work with in so many ways:

Alison Herberts

Yuri and Irina Bedny

Michael Clarkson Webb

Jack Brierley Birgitta Clift

Natalie Hooper

Sara Caldwell

James Cooper M J Crane KC

Professor Christopher Dingle

Anna Francis Katie Metcalfe

Rory Macleod

Nadine Shaw

Ray and Julia Longbottom Sylvia Stanbridge Katherine Puffett

Julia Orford

Katharine Wright

Pupils and parents at Bishop Wordsworths School

Barry Short

Marilyn Vincent Rachel Portman

Students of the Spalding High School Chamber Choir

Our Royal Parks Half Marathon Runner Fundraisers:

William Hamlyn

Oliver Irwin

Simon Longbottom

Edward Ritchie

Diana Cripps, Administrative Support (volunteer) >50 music teachers and support musicians

Evelyn Glennie CH, DBE Denise Leigh John Lubbock OBE

Patrons

Advisory Council

Sophie Gray, Head of Inclusion, Services for Education, Birmingham Evangelos Himonides, Professor of Technology, Education, and Music, UCL Karen Irwin, Strategic Director (Children and Young People), Live Music Now Julian Knight, Creative Director, Creative Futures (UK)

Kathryn Mason, Research Fellow, The Deafness, Cognition and Language Research Centre, UCL

Adam Ockelford, Professor of Music, Roehampton University and Founder, Amber Trust Peter Smalley, Chief Executive, Northampton Music and Performing Arts Trust Lorella Terzi, Professor of Philosophy of Education, University of Roehampton Graham Welch, Professor & Chair of Music Education, UCL Institute of Education Rachel Wolffsohn, General Manager, The OHMI Trust

The CAF Bank Ltd Shawbrook Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Lutea House Kings Hill Warley Hill Business Park West Malling Brentwood Kent, ME19 4JQ Essex, CM13 3BE

Bankers:

Independent Examiner: Jing Lu Chartered Certified Accountant JK Barnehurst Accounting Ltd 108 Manor Way, Bexleyheath, DA7 6JN

Music of Life Annual Report & Accounts 2024

musicoflife.org.uk

Support us

Our work thrives thanks to the generous support of people like you. If you'd like to learn more or get involved—whether through fundraising, volunteering, or other opportunities—please contact Katie Baxter at katie.baxter@mofl.co.uk or visit the link below for details.

If you would like to fundraise for us, please find Music of Life on Justgiving using this QR code

www.musicoflife.org.uk/support-our-work

Contact us

Music of Life Foundation mofl@mofl.co.uk www.musicoflife.org.uk Registered address: 54 Portland Place, London W1B 1DY

Find us @musicoflifeuk