The Glasshouse

Mum of three Matti, wants every child to experience the joy of music, including her own: Isaiah, Elianna, and Etania. As a local choir leader, Matti grew up with music all around her and knew that the Make Music programme at The Glasshouse would be the perfect place for her children to thrive.

“After each summer, my children are excited to return to their music sessions at The Glasshouse,” Matti says. “They feel a sense of purpose and responsibility.”

Isaiah, Elianna, and Etania started out with Make Music as singers, but it wasn’t long before they were encouraged to explore new instruments.

“They’d never considered the trombone, clarinet or euphonium before but the music leaders motivated them to give these instruments a try.”

Between renting or buying an instrument and covering tuition, many families struggle to find the money to help young people pursue their passion for music. That’s why Matti was so grateful to discover how bursaries can help reduce the financial barriers.

“The bursaries are means-tested and reduce the overall fee, which I ordinarily couldn’t afford,” Matti says.

“It’s the best investment I could make in my children’s futures, because the programme is such high quality, and they absolutely love it,” she says.

Her children are inspired by their music leaders and the range of music they get to explore.

“The music leaders are honest, knowledgeable, and they really want you to improve. But you do have to put in the work, too!”

One of Elianna’s music leaders encouraged her to practise the clarinet outside of lessons, and she noticed herself improving. With that encouragement, she found the confidence to stand on stage and perform.

“Elianna’s stage presence has blossomed so much from the programme,” says Matti. “She performed solo to an audience – I could tell she was so proud of herself.”

Not long ago, Etania considered giving up the euphonium; it felt bulky and impractical. But her music leader helped by showing her videos of renowned euphonium players on YouTube.

“Etania adores jazz music, so her tutor started tailoring the lessons to suit her taste. Now she feels there’s no limit to what her instrument can do.”

Beyond The Glasshouse, Etania leads worship in a youth choir, arranging harmonies and organising her peers. Matti puts Etania’s confidence down to the skills she’s developed on the programme.

“Etania also coordinates a band and recently sang in front of her whole year group,” Matti says.

“All three of my children have developed other qualities, like leadership and communication.”

Isaiah also led his whole class at school in performing a song he wrote.

“His friends thought he was so cool because he could write music and play an instrument,” she says. “Some even joined the brass club at school after the performance.”

At The Glasshouse, all three children have made friends who share their love of music. They ask questions, support each other, and challenge each other to be their best.

“When friends come over, it’s like a whole orchestra comes to life! It’s a testament to their growth,” says Matti. “My children shine and are confident to present themselves anywhere.”

Looking ahead, Isaiah, Elianna, and Etania want to perform for crowds at gigs. Elianna is especially keen to teach others, so she’s picking up teaching skills from the music leaders.

“Etania wants to compose jazz music, and they all want to perform in orchestras,” says Matti. “I ask them how making music feels, and they say it’s glorious.”

The Make Music programme is committed to supporting young musicians, and Matti is proud to see her children embrace that mission.

“They’ll all pursue music – whether as a hobby or a career,” says Matti.

“They each have a musical story to tell, and that’s a beautiful thing.”