The impact of Key Changers

Key Changers brings together musical skill, lived experience and peer leadership to create inclusive spaces where people can connect, build confidence and make music together.

Feedback from our 2025 programme showed positive outcomes for people who took part in Key Changers sessions:

• 100% reported personal growth 
• 75% reported increased self-confidence
• 75% reported reduced isolation
• 75% reported improved social connections
• 50% reported improved mental wellbeing
• 50% reported improved engagement with professionals and support services

What makes Key Changers different?

Key Changers use their musical skills and lived experience to connect with people, helping to create music sessions where people feel welcome, understood and free from judgement. They can also show what is possible when you are given the right support and opportunities.

Key Changers receive mentoring and professional support throughout the programme. You’ll build confidence, develop leadership skills and explore opportunities for your own future.

Who is the programme for?

The programme is aimed at under-represented musicians who want to develop their musical, creative and leadership skills.

We particularly welcome applications from musicians who have experienced barriers such as:

• addiction or recovery
• homelessness
• trauma
• displacement or refugee experience
• mental health challenges

Who can apply?

You can apply if you:

• are an under-represented musician
• can confidently play at least one instrument or sing in a group setting – you do not need to be able to read music
• have a supportive network around you
• can attend all 10 training days.

What will you gain?

As a Key Changer, you will develop:

• Leadership and facilitation skills for leading music workshops
• Practical tools and musical exercises to use in different community settings
• Skills for engaging people who are new to making music
• An understanding of community music in the UK
• Guidance on developing a career in community music
• Creative development to support your own artistic practice
• Confidence, communication and other transferable skills

The Key Changers programme is independently quality assured by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group. This means the programme meets recognised standards for course design, delivery and assessment. 

If you successfully complete the programme, you’ll receive an AIM-branded certificate recognising your achievement and the community music facilitation skills you have developed.

What is a community musician?

Community musicians help people make music together, often working with people who have little or no previous musical experience. They work in a wide range of community settings, using music to create opportunities for connection, creativity and confidence.

Programme Details

Applications open: 21 September 2026

Training: 10 days between January and March 2027

Location: Central Brighton

Places available: 12 musicians

Training hours: 9.30am – 4.30pm

Key Changers Programme Dates 2027

• Thursday 7 January
• Friday 8 January
• Friday 15 January
• Friday 22 January
• Friday 29 January
• Friday 12 February
• Friday 19 February
• Friday 26 February
• Friday 5 March
• Friday 12 March

VIEW THE COURSE OUTLINE (link to 2027 pdf)

How to apply

We ask applicants to submit two things:

1. A short musical video

Submit a video of up to 5 minutes showing you playing your instrument or demonstrating your vocal skills. You do not need to be able to read music, but you should be confident in at least one musical skill. This could include playing in a band, busking, singing, or regularly playing music with friends.

This does not need to be polished or professionally produced – it can be a simple recording made on your mobile phone or via Zoom. If you already have a video online, you can submit a link instead.

2. An application form

The application form includes four questions:

1: Why do you want to join Key Changers?

Tell us about yourself and why you’d like this opportunity.

2: What can you bring to the programme?

Tell us about your skills, experience and what you could contribute.

3: What would you like to get out of the programme?

Tell us about your ambitions and how the programme could help you.

4: What barriers have you faced?

Tell us about any barriers you have faced and the support you currently have in place.

This might include experiences such as addiction and recovery, homelessness, trauma, managing a mental health condition, or having refugee or displaced status.

Important information

• If you are applying based on your own experience of addiction, you must have been in recovery and sober for at least one year before the programme begins.
• If you are applying because someone close to you has been affected by addiction, we will want to understand how you are managing this.
• We would also like to know about the support you currently have in place, such as mutual-support groups, friends, family or a trained therapist. Key Changers is not a therapeutic programme, so having an appropriate support network in place is important.
• You must be able to work respectfully and collaboratively as part of a group.
• You must attend all 10 training days.

Application dates

Applications open: 21 September 2026

Application deadline: 27 November 2026

Application review: Applications will be reviewed after the closing date. We may contact you if we need additional information to support your application.

Applicants notified: All applicants will be contacted during December 2026 to confirm whether they have been offered a place.

If you have any questions or experience barriers during the application process, please let us know. We will make reasonable adjustments wherever possible.

Email: Keychangersprog@gmail.com

Ready to apply?

Apply for the Key Changers Programme using the button below.

The application form can be completed from any device. Please note that the form cannot be saved, so we recommend preparing your answers before you begin and completing the form in one sitting.

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