Reaching schools across Leeds, both the Discovering Lieder and Living Lieder programmes invite children and young people to explore classical song through creativity, collaboration and performance – and this term was our busiest and most rewarding yet.

At the centre of our education work is a simple belief: music, and song in particular, can open doors. Whether it’s building confidence, encouraging self-expression, or offering a new way to tell stories, high-quality musical experiences can have a lasting impact. By working closely with schools and teachers, Leeds Song aims to ensure that every child, whatever their background or prior experience, has the chance to encounter music that challenges, excites and inspires them.

Discovering Lieder: Primary Workshops and a Shared Song

Discovering Lieder introduces primary school pupils to the imaginative world of art song. Over the course of an intensive week, our education team visits each participating school to lead lively, hour-long workshops in the classroom. Together, children explore how music can tell stories through character, language, imagery and emotion, and how songs can communicate meaning beyond words alone.

The project culminates in a celebratory concert, where more than 350 children from twelve schools gather in a concert hall buzzing with anticipation. They hear songs by composers including Schubert, Poulenc, Head and Dove, performed in their original languages to ignite curiosity and invite creative interpretation. A much-loved highlight is the final mass sing of Schubert’s Das Wandern, with each class performing a verse they have written themselves.

Living Lieder: Creativity, Confidence and Collaboration

For secondary school students, Living Lieder offers a more in-depth journey into singing and performance. Each school receives three workshop visits over the course of a month, led by a specialist team of creative practitioners that includes two musicians and a creative writer. The team work closely with students on vocal technique, storytelling, interpretation and confidence. Teachers play a vital role throughout, supporting learning between visits and helping to shape each group’s performance.

The project concludes with a concert bringing together around 200 young people from six schools. The result is always inspiring: thoughtful interpretations, expressive singing, and a strong sense of ensemble. For many students, it’s a chance to perform in a professional setting for the first time and to realise just how much they are capable of.

Looking Ahead

Across both programmes, our workshop artists bring not only expertise but warmth and generosity, creating spaces where young people feel supported to take risks and try something new. By working alongside teachers and students, they help demystify classical song and reveal how its stories, languages and themes can connect directly to young people’s own experiences and imaginations.

Discovering Lieder and Living Lieder form part of Leeds Song’s award-winning learning and participation programme, which reaches hundreds of children each year and champions access to classical music for all. Through shared creativity, thoughtful teaching and joyful performance, these projects continue to play a meaningful role in shaping the musical lives of young people across our city.

Find out more about Leeds Song’s Education Projects.