Empowering Young Singers
National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) empowers young musicians, actors, dancers and makers across Wales, helping them build confidence, skills, and a creative future. Working with young people aged 11–25, NYAW bridges the gap between grassroots arts and professional opportunities, giving participants the chance to thrive in the creative industries.
Côr Skills is a choral development project designed to help young singers (14–18) develop confidence, vocal skills and musicianship. The project reaches young people from diverse backgrounds and offers them pathways into local choirs and the National Youth Choir of Wales.
Launched in 2018 to address gaps in rural choral provision, Côr Skills offers taster workshops and a four-day residential course, bringing together expert vocal leaders and mentors. Participants explore vocal technique, music theory, audition skills and musicianship, while also taking part in fun social activities that built friendships and confidence.
Activities
Open workshops in partnership with schools and the local music services.
Individual developmental sessions with singing leaders.
Vocal health and wellbeing sessions.
General musicianship sessions and ensemble rehearsals.
Four-day residential culminating in a performance for family and friends.
Transformative Impact
Evaluation shows that Côr Skills has a transformative impact:
Participants expanded their musical and social networks.
Singing confidence and musicianship improved significantly.
Many took part in local singing activities for the first time.
A large proportion of participants were from low-income households.
Some participants stayed away from home for the first time.
The project helped re-establish a Mid-Wales Youth Choir.
Participants reported improved wellbeing, increased joy, reduced stress and stronger self-expression.
Building on this success, future Côr Skills projects will:
Expand reach – deliver more workshops across Wales, focusing on diverse and underserved communities.
Develop advanced skills – introduce modules in performance, songwriting, and choral leadership to support participants’ musical ambitions.
Embed wellbeing – integrate structured activities like mindfulness and reflective discussions to enhance mental and emotional benefits.
Côr Skills continues to create opportunities for young singers to grow, connect and thrive while nurturing Wales’ rich choral heritage.
Next Steps
“The Côr Skills programme has ignited a hidden passion for singing and personal growth among participants. We want to extend the program’s reach and empower even more young people to find their voice and discover a creative future through music.”
— Evan Dawson, CEO, NYAW