Innovation Zones team led by Dr Liam O’Hare at QUB and the wider Crescendo committee have made new links with the University of Glasgow, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra (Scotland’s national orchestra) and Children’s Neighbourhood Scotland to explore funding options for a multi-site cluster randomised controlled trial of the Crescendo programme.

This exciting opportunity to collaborate on funding opportunities will offer broader insight into the application of this programme, providing a solid evidence base for further integration across the UK. Such an intervention is even more necessary now in light of Covid-19 and the likelihood of school closures widening the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers. In response to this widened gap, Crescendo provides a unique opportunity for children in disadvantaged communities to develop their social, emotional and musical skills.