An evidence review of published, international, peer-reviewed and ‘grey’ literature that explores the effects of music making on NEET young people or those ‘at risk’ of becoming NEET, including a specfic review of 34 Youth Music funded projects that delivered music-related activity to NEET young people or those ‘at risk’ of becoming NEET between 2003-2011.

The overall aim of this evidence review was to synthesise evidence on the outcomes of music-making with young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) focusing on:

• What kinds of music-making projects offer support to NEET young people, and what forms do these take?
• What are the effects of music making on NEET young people? Is there a consensus supported by available evidence?
• A third question – ‘to what extent are music-making projects cost-effective in addressing the challenging circumstances of NEET children and young people? was also identified by Youth Music as an issue that required investigation.

All 34 of the sampled projects delivered music- related activities funded by Youth Music, between 2003-2011 to young people who were NEET or ‘at risk’ of becoming NEET, as part of the work in the Challenging Circumstances goal area, which aims to improve the life chances of children and young people in the most challenging circumstances by supporting them to achieve their full potential through engagement and progression in music making.

Many Youth Music projects focus on developing skills to enable children and young people tp participate in their communities; whether through practical music skills, or skills transferable to other contexts. Similarly, many projects have been targeted specifically at young people who are at the greatest risk of exclusion, including those not in education, training or employment (NEET).

A systematic search of published international literature revealed a dearth of empirical research relating to the effects of music-making on young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). Although no consensus had yet been reached, evidence reviewed in this report does suggest that by providing NEET and ‘at risk’ young people with a culturally relevant alternative route of engagement, music-making projects can trigger a number of positive outcomes, both for individuals and the communities in which they reside.