I had the privilege to attend the first Music for Youth (MfY) Schools' Prom concerts directed by MfY's new chief executive, Lincoln Abbotts, at London's Royal Albert Hall on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday this week. We were treated to some wonderful performances, ranging from orchestral, wind and brass band, rock, rap, folk, jazz and world music - all delivered with equal passion and ownership by children from primary and secondary schools across the UK.

As a long-time supporter of MfY Yamaha funds awards for their National Festival, held in Birmingham every July, across 5 different genres, and it was great to see some of the same performers taking part in the Schools' Prom, the climax to MfY's year.

As the contributor of the major prize fund for the inspiring Classic FM Music Teacher Of The Year Award, we were delighted to be present because the six winning teachers were announced at the Schools' Proms - two teachers on each of the three nights. They are exceptional people who stand out from the crowd and truly earned their recognition.

Music For Youth is also exceptional - providing major national performance opportunities for young people and bringing together some of the countries best young talent.

On the second night Yamaha had a box to which we'd invited some of the exceptional musicians we've been fortunate enough to work with - including some of the UK's best jazz musicians and educators. As the performers on stage whipped the audience into a clapping frenzy I noticed (and probably so did the surrounding audience members) that our box was the one clapping on the 2nd and 4th beats of the bar, while most others were clapping on the more conventional 1 and 3! I was reminded of a strapline used by my good friend, session drummer Ralph Salmins, on his MySpace page: "I'm a 2 and 4 guy in a 1 and 3 world"! What a great way to describe not only some pretty funky rhythms but also the kind of people who work hard to be exceptional and stand out from the crowd. Music For Youth gave us a real treat of "2 and 4" guys that I will certainly remember for a long time.