Based in Croydon in South London, the BRIT School is a free performing and creative arts school for students aged 14 to 19. It offers courses in music, theatre, dance, film and media production, and more. Students gain real industry experience, supported by teachers and professional mentors.
The school’s alumni include some of the UK’s most successful performers, producers and creatives – Adele, Amy Winehouse, Loyle Carner, Raye, Tom Holland and FKA twigs to name but a few.
But the school’s focus isn’t on stardom. It’s on equipping students with the tools, knowledge and confidence to work in the creative industries – regardless of their background.
One of the school’s longest-running events is Sounds Global, a performance night which celebrates music from around the world. Year 13 students on the music course research, arrange and perform songs from across continents, often in languages they don’t speak and genres they’ve never played.
“It started about 20 years ago when we were developing the Ethnomusicology part of the course,” says Conor Doherty, Director of Music at the BRIT School. “Most of our course covers popular music and looking beyond that is essential for our students’ breadth of knowledge.”
Held in the school’s Obie Theatre, the event includes original compositions and traditional songs in around 20 different musical styles. “Half of the music is suggested by the students themselves,” says Doherty. “Students learn new instruments when needed and we have visiting experts supporting with some of the rehearsals.”
Sounds Global is part of a wider Ethnomusicology programme that forms a key part of the students’ UAL Extended Diploma. “It exposes them to some of the enormous range of musical styles out there which supports their composition and production, instrumental skills and their understanding of music as part of cultural practice.”
Each year brings its own standout moments. “Our salsa songs are always a highlight as they are big bands with lots of percussion and a horn section,” says Doherty. “Always plenty of energy and taught by an alumni of ours, Luisa Santiago, who is a professional Latin artist based in Bristol.”
The school’s gospel choir, formed just two years ago, now has its own concerts and closed this year’s show with a Zimbabwean gospel track. On occasion, the performances lead to unexpected connections. This year, a performance of a track by Argentina hip-hop act Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso was posted online and prompted one of the band to get in touch.
Sounds Global is just one of the many ways PPL works with the BRIT School through PPL Giving, our £1 million annual programme that supports talent development and music education. Our involvement includes both funding and practical support – delivering talks and careers advice, helping students understand the business side of the music industry.
“PPL have been a great friend to The BRIT School,” Stuart Worden, BRIT School Principal, said. “They’ve given advice, offered their expertise with talks, meetings and seminars with our students and visited our shows.
“With their recent support, they have made sure that we continue to have world-class careers advice so all students, regardless of their background, can take the right steps forward for careers in the music and creative industries.”
Events like Sounds Global serve as a way to help students understand the demands of the music industry, learning what it takes to perform, collaborate and manage large-scale events. It’s also a moment to showcase their talents in front of industry professionals and potential future collaborators.
PPL’s work with the BRIT School is part of our wider goal to support the music community and help performers and recording rightsholders build sustainable careers.
Find out more about PPL Giving and the organisations we support here.
