Who Are Music 4 U?

Music 4 U changes the lives of young people and their families through inclusive performing arts classes, enabling them to explore a tailored learning experience in a supportive, uplifting and inspiring environment.

Music 4 U students lead enriched lives, with increased employability, empathy, and quality of life.

Background:

Music 4 U was founded in 2003 and became a registered charity in 2005, with a simple but powerful vision: that every young person should have the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of music and performance.

Our founder, Debra Baxter (Debbie), has had a lifelong passion for singing and the performing arts. Inspired by the transformative power of music, she established Music 4 U to break down barriers and create an inclusive space where young people can thrive, regardless of disability, circumstance or the challenges they may face.

More than twenty years later, that vision remains at the heart of everything we do.

Our dedicated team of tutors, musicians, support staff and volunteers are carefully chosen not only for their talent and expertise, but for their compassion, empathy and commitment to helping every young person reach their full potential. Together, they create a safe, supportive and inspiring environment where confidence grows, friendships flourish and lives are changed through music.

Music 4 U have been empowering young people throughout Aberdeen and Shire since 2003, both with and without disabilities, to thrive and excel through music. As an integrated school, young people work together side by side to learn about music, performance and social skills which lead to lasting friendships with those from a variety of different backgrounds. Based in Rosemount Community Centre, we run several workshops over the course of a week for ages 5 - 25+ and our terms run 50 weeks a year to support our young people. 

Our students are given multiple performance opportunities throughout the year from small scale events such as our dazzling fundraiser ‘Sequins & Song’ at the Chester Hotel to large scale theatre shows such as our showcase ‘I Am’ at the Beach Ballroom. 

We also run workshops in primary schools as part of the ‘Promise Project’ and weekly concerts in Care Homes as part of our ‘Everlasting Love’ project - plus numerous performances across the community everywhere from shopping centres to village halls!

Meet the Team

  • Debra Baxter

    FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR

  • Yvonne Porteous

    EVERLASTING LOVE AMBASSADOR

  • Stephanie Walls

    EVENTS, MEDIA & FUNDRAISING OFFICER

  • Marie Sutherland

    FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR

  • George Stokes

    TUTOR AND LEAD TECH ENABLER

  • Liam Bowie

    TUTOR

  • Chloe Gordon

    TUTOR

  • Ellie McCann

    TUTOR

  • Liam Collins

    Enabler

  • Hannelore Van Ommen

    Enabler

  • Trustees

    Carolyn Maniukiewicz, David Baxter (Acting Chair), Anna Eardley, Vince Spangenberg and Alison Green