The starting point of the WGY was in September 2000 at the Annual Meeting of the EMC in Bonn. After a presentation of the work of the European Parliament of Young Musicians (EPYM), the interest of the EMC Board and the participants encouraged the members of the EPYM to continue their work, as it became apparent that a better participation of young people in European music organisations was necessary. Therefore, the WGY was founded in Bonn in October 2000 by three members of the former EPYM.

Since then the WGY has grown in size and scope, has built up strong links with other youth groups such as the Youth Advisory Group of the International Music Council, and has realised a highly successful Access! project. This featured a European Youth Forum on Music, the creation of a Manifesto for Youth and Music in Europe, and many presentations including at the Committee on Culture and Education of the European Parliament.