When Errollyn Wallen formed the group Ensemble X, she coined the motto which sums up its spirit and aesthetic - "we don't break down barriers in music, we don't see any". Errollyn Wallen and Ensemble X passionately believe that music of the highest order and sophistication is for everyone and that the ability to communicate through music is a vital skill to be learnt and shared by all.

Educational projects have included:

The Harlem Renaissance Project for London Sinfonietta and the Hayward Gallery with poet Jackie Kay, for children and their parents

The PRS Composers-in-Schools project in Leeds ranged from working with seven year olds to GCSE level composition students

“Songs in The Key of Kirklees” for the 1999 Huddersfield Festival was an intensive song writing and performance project linked to Errollyn Wallen's album “Meet Me at Harold Moores”

A performing and educational project in Venezuela for the British Council

An education project around “Jordan Town” - a multi-media show performed by Ensemble X and Errollyn Wallen Company

An education project based around a new orchestral work “Speed-Dating: The Symphony” commissioned by the BBC (premiered Nov 5 at RFH) for the Listen Up! festival

Errollyn Wallen has also written several significant and challenging works for young people and amateurs:

“Chrome and Gold Saturday” (both for brass band) commissioned by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain

“Demon” (for chorus and orchestra) commissioned by COMA (Contemporary Music for Amateurs)

“God's Penny” (for choir, piano and harp) for the Children's Choir of Islington Music Centre, commissioned by the Cripplegate Foundation to mark their 500th anniversary