Why Music? Carmarthen, 23 February 2026

Date 24/02/2026
Venue Halliwell Conference Centre & Yr Egin, University of Wales Trinity St Davids, Carmarthen.

Working with our partners, we have created an event called ‘Why Music?’ to show young people how music as a school subject can open doors for them.

In February 2026, over 200 pupils from Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion came to Yr Egin and the Halliwell Centre at University of Wales Trinity St David's at Carmarthen where partners, including Charanga, Into Film, National Youth Arts Wales, yr Urdd and others held workshops and discussions to inspire.

'A Future in Performing': At Halliwell Conference Centre, Matthew Jones from National Youth Arts Wales, alongside violin and viola teacher, Ruth Elder, and percussionist Alex Evans gave a practical workshop and discussed pathways into the music industry.

In our 'Music and the Media' session, Non Stevens from Into Film and Max Wheeler from Charanga challenged the pupils to create their own music and sound effects to a piece of film, using Charanga's 'YuStudio programme. Charanga Cymru, our bespoke digital music education platform, is available to all pupils and teachers who have a HwbCymru email address for free. To get your Charanga Cymru login, click here.

In between each of the 4 sessions, pupils were also given the opportunity to spend time and learn from DJ Klaudia, who had set up her decks and system.

Over at Yr Egin, Branwen Davies from 'Y Cwmni', the Urdd's youth theatre company, and West End performer Luke McCall led pupils through a 'Music in the Theatre' workshop.

'Why study Music?' was the question that Rhian Hutchings from Anthem Cymru, Elise Arnold from WJEC, and Gareth Kirby from Carmarthenshire Music Service asked pupils in an informative session at Yr Egin. They discussed the new GCSE Music, opportunities to play, study and enjoy music in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.

Students enjoyed a concert by Dros Dro, a local band and winners of Can i Gymru 2025. Each member of the group spoke about the music lessons that they received when pupils in Carmarthenshire, and how they continue to perform around their jobs and studies.

We also brought together a panel of musicians - in person and online - who shared their stories with the pupils, and who gave advice and guidance. We were delighted to welcome Keziah O'Hare, Percussionist and Organiser who works with Horizons, Anthem Cymru, Amplifying Accessibility and Beacons Cymru; R&B/Hip Hop artist and songwriter Szwe; member of Welsh of the West End, singer Luke McCall; and Rupert Whitehead, Professor of Trombone at Royal College of Music, who joined us online.

We would like to thank everyone who came along to the event, and we look forward to our next 'Why Music?' day in autumn 2026.