YMS is a local charity which operates as an activity of Dartington North Devon Charitable Trust and with support from the Dartington North Devon Foundation. It was founded in 1990, the brainchild of pianist Susan Steele who wanted to help a gifted student whose parents could not afford to pay for lessons.
In recent years we have been able to support a number of budding local musicians many of whom have gone on to study at music colleges across the country. Many come back regularly to perform with local orchestras such as the North Devon Sinfonia.
YMS believes that classical music should be accessible to all, whether as a performer or audience member. We aim to encourage participation by children from families which are financially disadvantaged, by providing financial and mentoring help to promising young musicians in North Devon.