I am a young deaf musician committed to changing societal perceptions of the arts and how accessible they can be. I have vast advocacy experience, appearing in music videos, documentaries, and podcasts alike. I have also previously worked within community fundraising and events organizations. My passion is community outreach; I love running music workshops and using music to have a positive impact on the world! I am excited to work with a driven team of Change Makers all collectively aiming to make the arts inclusive and accessible!

Ballet was my first introduction to the arts, leading me to explore the relationship between movement and music. I enjoy music in various settings, from running workshops to performing at traditional folk festivals. I also maintain a passion for dance, photography, and other art forms. Now, as a classical flautist, I perform with various ensembles at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, in addition to running a folk society and playing in the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. The arts play a crucial role in my life, helping me develop a social network and share creative experiences. As a NYAW Change Maker, I aim to enhance accessibility and sustainability for all valuable opportunities.

I've been part of multiple choirs, including Only Boys Aloud from 2015-2020. Conducting ‘Cor Waun Ddyfal’, a Welsh language community Choir, for over a year has been invaluable. I've also started conducting a new choir for young professionals in Cardiff. Additionally, I'm a long-standing member of the National Youth Choir of Wales, participating in my fourth summer course this year. Growing up, I played the Violin and Piano, participating in orchestras and quartets. This year presents exciting opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and give back to NYAW for years of inspiration and life-changing experiences.

I am a dancer who grew up taking part in NYDW's Advance, Step Up, and the NYDW companies of 2018 and 2023. I studied at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance and returned to Cardiff after graduating. I am passionate about arts in Wales, and have always been interested in social, cultural, and environmental issues. The NYAW Change Makers project seems like an excellent opportunity to discuss how NYAW can improve its practice and keep up with the changing culture of Wales.

I am a singer-songwriter with a passion for music, theatre and working with children. In 2022, I received the Our Voice Bursary, which broadened my understanding of the creative industry and provided me with the support/resources I needed to explore other avenues. Being part of Anthems Youth Forum in 2023 was a wonderful experience; I connected with talented individuals and gained insights into the music industry. I am currently an apprentice for Theatr Iolo and I am having an amazing time learning so much from the team on what it takes to put on shows, as well as working on the outreach projects they provide. Joining NYAW as a Change Maker offers multiple learning opportunities. I look forward to seeing the diverse perspectives within the project, enabling us to understand each other better. I hope that after this project, we are all able to get a better perspective on what needs changing to develop opportunities for the future generation.

I hold a BA in Popular and Commercial Music and an MA in Songwriting and Production, graduating from the latter in early 2023. I've freelanced as an advisor for Youth Music's Incubator Fund and served as a modulate panel member for Disability Arts Cymru, shaping discussions on music-related topics. Currently, I'm a Communities Engagement Apprentice at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, enjoying connecting with local communities. With experience in mental health volunteering, I'm eager to channel my passion for positive change into the arts. Joining NYAW as a Change Maker feels like a natural step. I believe our feedback can support NYAW's growth, and I'm thrilled to contribute!

I'm an Artist with a background in Classical/Orchestral music, using the Viola and Voice as my medium of choice! Over the past 12 years I have engaged in various youth music schemes and projects with professional orchestras across the UK and Europe. Some of these ensembles include the Queen Charlotte Global Orchestra with Alicia Keys, Taki Concordia, Berliner Philharmoniker, London Mozart Players, Chineke!, BBC NOW, NYOW, NOYO, LSO On Track, Young Orchestra for London - the list goes on! I am fortunate to have had a pleasant experience in the classical industry as a Black woman thus far; unfortunately, it can be difficult navigating the classical world as a person of colour due to racial bias and the lack of cultural diversity and representation. I want to change this! As a Change Maker, I aim to empower, support and guide young instrumentalists of the global majority in chasing their dreams and challenging the status quo.

Additionally, I am very passionate about environmentalism and wish to find ways of making NYAW more sustainable!

I am an EDM producer who organizes opportunities for disabled musicians, as well as advocates for a more inclusive music industry. I've collaborated with organizations such as Arts Council Wales, Disability Arts Cymru, and Anthem Cymru. Being physically disabled, neurodivergent, and part of the LGBT+ community myself, I am driven to improve access to the arts, as it wasn't always available to me growing up. I believe NYAW is making the arts more accessible for diverse individuals, and I'd like to contribute to that journey.

I attended the BA Acting course at RBC from 2019 to 2022. In 2023, I completed Frantic Assembly’s Ignition course. I was part of the National Youth Theatre of Wales ensemble in both 2019 and 2023. Despite being too old to be a member of the National Youth Theatre of Wales, I wanted to continue my relationship with National Youth Arts Wales. My desire to contribute to making the arts more accessible led me here. I find it thrilling to have the opportunity to help shape the future of National Youth Arts Wales.

As a singer, I adore the rush of emotions and excitement that comes with performing solos or singing with a choir and seeing the impact it has on people. However, I did go through a period where I doubted myself and stopped singing due to insecurities about my abilities and the lack of opportunities for improvement. But ever since I joined NYAW, I've been able to rediscover the joy of singing. It has been an incredible experience to learn and grow alongside talented singers in a supportive and collaborative environment. I am honoured to contribute as part of the Change Makers to improve sustainability and promote cultural diversity within every aspect of NYAW.