Trust the process: Big Noise impact on participants, families and their wider communities

The Glasgow Centre for Population Health has evaluated Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise programme since 2013. This report builds on that work, strengthening the evidence base with fresh perspectives and analytical approaches.

By combining public sector auditing approaches with social policy, public health and economic analysis, it offers a richer understanding of the experiences of those impacted by Big Noise.

The findings show clear, wide-ranging and consistent benefits linked directly to the programme: improved musical skills, greater confidence, stronger relationships, better wellbeing and higher ambitions. Big Noise also opens up pathways beyond school, helping individuals to grow and thrive. Using participatory systems mapping, the research shows how these changes develop over time and connect across people’s lives.

These impacts are especially important for children and young people in disadvantaged communities, where sustained support can transform life chances. An accompanying economic assessment suggests strong long-term social and economic value, through improved wellbeing, education and future opportunities.

Grounded in real experiences, the report highlights what works: consistently applied delivery principles, alongside supportive, trusted relationships, and safe, joyful, creative spaces. At its core is a collaborative orchestral model, where music tuition and group performance drive many of the programme’s most powerful impacts.

The research shows how Big Noise can reduce inequality, support people to thrive and strengthen communities. It also highlights lessons for future programmes and policy, while recognising that the full impact is still developing and not yet fully seen or understood.

As well as the report, you can download:

• Additional information appendices
• Methods appendices
• Final results appendices

See below for the interactive layered map.

Interactive layered map

This map illustrates the pathways through which the Big Noise programme impacts on children and young people. It can help answer the question: "How does this programme actually work?" rather than just "does it work?".

It was created by asking staff at Big Noise to map out the programme’s pathways to impact. These maps were then presented to young people engaged in the afterschool programme, for them to amend, improve and develop. Their work was then digitised by the evaluation researchers, to create this layered map.

This map can be broken down into four layers, each of which shows one of the key pathways through which the programme impacts upon participants. They are: musical skill development; emotional wellbeing; social networks; and post school pathways. Use the menu in the top right-hand corer to select a layer to view.

Each element of the map is interactive. Click or tap on any of the impacts to see a description of that impact and data gathered from the 2025-2026 evaluation as evidence.

Each layer also contains two case studies of children or young people who have benefitted from the programme along each pathway. Click or tap on the purple or green icons at the top of the screen to read each case study. You can also follow their journey through the programme, by clicking on the coloured, numbered arrows, and read how the programme has supported their development, in their own words.

This interactive map was created using a custom-built web application designed specifically for this purpose: the SIPHER Layered Systems Map Tool. To find out more, please contact Dr Lisa Garnham at the University of Strathclyde: lisa.garnham@strath.ac.uk