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Progression Sessions

Supporting young people in inner London to develop their musical talent, connect with mentors and access industry-relevant opportunities.

Progression Sessions is a UK-based charity that supports young people aged 14 to 25 through music. Founded in response to cuts in creative education, the programme provides free access to studios, mentorship and industry training, helping young artists grow in confidence, develop their talent and build meaningful creative careers.

London is a wonderfully diverse, constantly evolving cultural hub, with young people at the heart of its creativity. Yet access to music education and resources remains deeply unequal. Progression Sessions responds to that gap by offering practical support, creative space and industry insight to the next generation of artists.

Music is more than a subject. It is expression, identity, community and, for many, a potential career path.

At the DHD Foundation, we are proud to support this work. Progression Sessions offers artist development, mentoring and real-world training, reaching young people who might otherwise be excluded from the creative industries. Their community-led model builds confidence, skills and momentum, creating opportunities that continue to circulate long after the sessions end.

  • From grassroots beginnings to a thriving creative hub, Progression Sessions has grown through community, collaboration and a deep belief in the power of music to change lives. Here’s how their journey has unfolded.

    2016: The Pilot Project
    Progression Sessions was founded in direct response to government cuts to modern music provision. Their first 10-week programme was delivered entirely by volunteers and received an overwhelmingly positive response from the local community. It was clear there was talent, passion and demand, but limited access to the tools and support needed to develop it.

    2017: Strengthening Local Collaborations
    Progression Sessions began to build deeper roots in the community. Their relationship with Hackney Empire began, initially as a major recruitment partner. That same year, they ran an Arts Council-funded project in collaboration with Hackney Music Service, using modern music-making to re-engage young people no longer in mainstream education. Alongside this, they continued to deliver their core 10-week artist development programmes, each culminating in a live showcase at a local venue.

    2018–2020: Full Charitable Status
    Progression Sessions registered as a charity, allowing greater autonomy and access to grant funding. In 2020, the DHD Foundation came on board as a major funding partner, helping to strengthen and scale the programme. Capital Group also continued its annual budget support during this period, providing vital operational stability.

    2020: Laying the Foundations
    During the COVID-19 pandemic, the team recognised the urgent need for accessible, high-quality creative spaces. Planning began for a permanent home where young people could create, collaborate and grow, regardless of background or circumstance.

    2022: Studio 36 Opens
    Planning becomes reality. Progression Sessions launches Studio 36, a permanent creative home in North London, giving young people access to space, tools and support to grow their craft.

    2023–Present: Expanding Reach
    Studio 36 is now running at full capacity. Hundreds of young artists have passed through its doors, accessing training, guidance and creative freedom. Progression Sessions continues to grow its impact, driven by a dedicated team and a clear mission: to empower young people through music and ensure that opportunity is not defined by postcode.

    December 2024: A Shared Stage
    In December 2024, two of the DHD Foundation’s partners came together for a special evening of music and purpose. We hosted a fundraising carol service in support of the Lanka Environment Fund, with standout performances from young artists from Progression Sessions. It was a powerful reminder of how creativity, community and conservation can come together to inspire meaningful change.

  • Studio 36 is the cornerstone of Progression Sessions’ work, a vital creative space where young people from across London can create, collaborate and grow, regardless of background or financial circumstance.

    Studio 36 is more than just a recording space. It is a community-led creative hub, purpose-built to support the next generation of artists with free access to studios, equipment and professional guidance.

    The Progression Sessions team runs a full annual programme from the space, including:

    • Studio time and technical support for young artists

    • 1:1 mentoring and industry-led training

    • Paid creative commissions and development opportunities

    • Workshops, showcases and live performances

    The DHD Foundation is proud to support this work, helping ensure that Studio 36 remains a place where talent is nurtured, confidence is built and futures are shaped.

Projects and Programmes – Progression Sessions

  • Thank you, DHD Foundation, for your generous support of our work in Africa and Asia. Your financial aid has made a huge difference in many disadvantaged communities and helped educate people about the need to protect our environment. We are so grateful for your interest and help.

    Dave Swann, Director, MM-Suisse

  • Thank you to the DHD Foundation for your contribution to our work. It has made a huge difference, and we are grateful for your interest and help.

    Vinod Malwatte, Executive Director, Lanka Environment Fund

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