Inspirational Music Leader Award sponsored by the MU

The Musicians’ Union represents over 30,000 musicians working in all sectors of the music business. We offer a range of services for self-employed professional and student musicians of all ages, including £2000 instrument / equipment insurance, £10million Public Liability Insurance, contract advice, careers guidance, legal help, and experts on hand whenever you need them. As a trade union, we negotiate with all the major employers in the industry and lobby Government on the big issues affecting you. For more information, visit theMU.org

Jimmy patiently and skilfully teaches a small collective of Disabled young people to create their own music, using Zoom and Soundtrap during lockdown. The group is now producing great music that would stand up in comparison to any professional producer's work. This is all down to Jimmy's incredible ability to engage with the young people and draw out their creativity.

Jess has worked as a music leader, songwriter, and facilitator on Groundswell Arts ‘Sing Our Story’ project over the last three years. As well as being a singer, songwriter, and guitarist she is brilliant at engaging with all people. Whether it is a room full of three-year-olds, or a parent of a child who is a reluctant participant, Jess's welcoming approach and skilful understanding of working with vulnerable groups of children and adults has made her one of their most trusted and reliable team members. Every setting that works with Jess wants her back again and many of the projects and schools that repeat programmes where Jess has run the project.

Malaki is renowned in Gloucestershire for his conviction to the music scene over the past 15 years. From The Music Works’ talent development projects to their young-offenders programme, he consistently demonstrates the capacity that music has to turn a life around, giving a second chance to those most susceptible to the negative forces that sweep through communities. Bringing his own experience and mobilising his community contacts, he has been instrumental in growing The Music Works exponentially, which now works with 3000 people every year.

Learn more about the winner and nominees for the 2019 Inspirational Music Leader Award sponsored by PMLL.