Music Session Support Volunteering with Academy of St Martin in the Fields - Ensemble Unheard

Launching in September 2026, Ensemble Unheard is a new musical community of people from all walks of life who come together to create and perform as an orchestra. Participants, including people experiencing homelessness and facing other life challenges, work alongside professional musicians in a space built on trust, curiosity, and creative risk. The group welcomes people picking up instruments for the first time and those reconnecting with music after years away. Through improvisation, shared responsibility, and joyful, vibrant performances, the group builds creative confidence and belonging.  

Those involved in Ensemble Unheard, as staff or as participants, have the opportunity to connect with people from a range of backgrounds in a creative setting. Everyone has responsibility for ensuring the environment is safe, welcoming and creative for all those who want to be part of the group. We expect all those involved to take part actively in sessions, holding any responsibilities specific to their role alongside buying in to the overall spirit of the group.  

We are looking for friendly, reliable and compassionate Volunteer Session Supporters to help create a safe, welcoming and positive environment during our music sessions for people experiencing homelessness. Volunteers are expected to take part in music-making sessions alongside participants, learning and creating music as part of the group and setting a positive example toward engagement. At times, you may be asked to help certain individuals with their instrumental learning. While not a requirement, we are interested to hear from people who have experience playing string, brass, guitar or percussion instruments.

This is a supportive participant-facing role where you will help people feel comfortable, encouraged, and included. You will play an important part in building an atmosphere where participants feel supported in engaging with music-making at their own pace. You will be expected to support a positive group environment and encourage people in line with our behaviour policy, helping to create a safe environment by reporting any concerns.

Why volunteer on this programme? 

Volunteering with Ensemble Unheard offers far more than supporting a music session: it’s a chance to become part of a creative, generous and joyful musical community made up of people from all walks of life. As a Volunteer Session Supporter, you’ll gain hands-on experience working alongside professional musicians, develop new musical skills, and contribute directly to a programme that builds confidence, connection and belonging for people facing challenges. You’ll be welcomed into a supportive team, invited to training and development opportunities, and thanked with perks such as free tickets to Academy of St Martin in the Fields concerts throughout the year. Most importantly, you’ll experience the unique reward of seeing participants grow in creativity and self-belief, knowing your presence helped make that possible. 

We understand there are many reasons why someone may want to volunteer and are open to all. This role is also suitable for anyone looking to build experience in the social care or music sectors, or for those exploring volunteering as a pathway into future employment. It’s a meaningful, practical way to grow your skills while making a real difference, and references can be provided to support future applications. 

What skills do I need?

Key Responsibilities 

Participant Engagement & Pastoral Support 

• Offer a warm, friendly welcome to participants as they arrive 

• Help create a safe, inclusive and non-judgemental environment 

• Build positive, respectful relationships with participants over time 

• Provide encouragement and informal support to help participants feel comfortable joining in 

• Be attentive to participants’ wellbeing and flag any concerns to staff where appropriate 

Session Support 

• Take an active part in music sessions, modelling engagement and positivity 

• Support participants to engage with instruments and activities where appropriate 

• Help maintain a calm, supportive atmosphere, particularly during moments of uncertainty and challenge, or in the lead-up to performances 

• Follow the lead of facilitators and staff at all times 

Practical Support 

• Assist with basic set-up and pack-down of sessions (e.g. moving light equipment, arranging chairs, laying out and clearing refreshments) 

• Help ensure the space remains welcoming, organised and safe 

• Support with simple tasks such as distributing materials or helping clean instruments after use 

Following Procedures 

• Follow all safeguarding, behaviour and health & safety procedures as outlined by staff 

• Respect appropriate boundaries with participants 

• Raise any concerns with the Participant Support Manager or project staff 

• Attend volunteer briefings and follow instructions given at the start of each session