Music Learning Collective

As the year comes to a close, we’ve been reflecting—not on targets or numbers, but on the people and progress that shaped everything we do.

This year we launched our regular Live Nights—informal performance opportunities where students build confidence on stage, while others develop technical skills through organising, recording, filming and streaming live events. Alongside this, our annual Student Concert gave learners a professional performance experience with full PA and lighting, supported by friends and families—always a milestone moment.

We also launched two new podcasts. MLC Student Voices gives students a platform to share their journeys, thoughts and talents. Beam Me Up Scotty, led by the youngest voices on our team, is fresh, fun, unapologetically honest (and often gloriously chaotic), exploring music, life choices and what matters right now—a regular reminder of why young people sit at the heart of everything we do.

Behind the scenes, we were approved as a registered Alternative Provider by Nottingham City, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire County Councils, and several local schools. We signed the Armed Forces Covenant and were proud to receive the Bronze Employer Recognition Award.

This year also marked several firsts:
• Our first Duke of Edinburgh cohort
• Becoming an authorised delivery partner of the King’s Trust Achieve programme
• Introducing English & Maths as part of our AP offer

We also took ownership of Abbey Road Music, transforming it into MLC Retail, creating new support and opportunities for our students and the wider community.

Above all, the biggest success has been our students—watching their confidence grow, skills develop and belief strengthen has been the highlight of the year.

Thank you to our learners, teachers, partners and supporters. We’re excited to keep building in the year ahead.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and a prosperous 2026—Team MLC

Merry Christmas to all our students, their families, our teachers and partners! 🎄
Your support and hard work have made this year something special. Enjoy the break, and here’s to a bright and exciting 2026!