CASE STUDY

At just nine years old, Odette has already made an impressive start to her musical journey. She began learning the French horn on her eighth birthday and after only a year of playing has already achieved Grade 5 with Merit. However, as Odette and her siblings are home educated due to her diabetes and additional needs, this means there are limited opportunities for her single mum to work. Consequently, they cannot afford regular horn lessons or the costs associated with other musical opportunities.

Needing financial support to help grow, Odette applied to Future Talent and was awarded a place on the Junior Programme and a grant of £500. This funding enabled her to take up places in the National Children’s Orchestra and Tees Valley Youth Orchestra, something that would not have otherwise been possible. Odette regularly performs alongside her sister Amelia, a pianist and flautist who is also now supported by Future Talent, and together they have taken part in the Mrs Sunderland Music Competition. She has also embraced a wide range of musical opportunities, participating in Mezzo Yorchestra and attending Young Horn Days across the country. Through Future Talent, Odette will have access to workshops which will give her the opportunity to explore different styles and collaborate with other like-minded musicians.

Future Talent’s support has helped Odette access experiences that may otherwise not have been available to her. Odette is neurodiverse and naturally shy, but the French horn has opened up a whole new world for her. Through music, she has grown in confidence, made new friends, discovered new experiences and found a wonderful sense of belonging within the musical community.

With her enthusiasm, determination and growing confidence, Odette is looking forward to continuing her musical journey, developing her skills and discovering where her love of the French horn will take her next.