Booking is now open for this free creative weekend for aspiring community musicians of the year.

Young creatives and the BSO Young Associates will come together for a series of creative training workshops to develop their creative music practice and develop their community music leading skills.

This will be a chance to play, sing and create with like-minded individuals, through a practical music making session led by Jon James and Osnat Schmool. You will gain key tools and tips to be able to apply in your music making groups, such as icebreakers and warm up games, and it will equip you with how to use music as a tool to build connections within your community.

This free to access training weekend will take place on Saturday 24 May (11.00am – 4.15pm) at M Shed Bristol and Sunday 25 May (10am – 1pm) at Windmill Hill Community Centre, Bristol. Full information about the weekend can be found here: Creative & Community Music Leader Training - Bristol - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

What is a community music leader?

A music leader is someone who leads creative music projects with people of all ages, from all walks of life, often for social, health or wellbeing goals or to enrich creativity and learning.

Who is it for?

This opportunity is aimed at musicians and creatives who are emerging in the field. This may be for people studying between the ages of 18-30, and it is also for music teachers or freelance supporting musicians who frequently work in community music sessions and are looking for further CPD or are retraining.

How to take part:

To apply please fill out the form and book your space by the deadline: Thursday 1 May 12pm.

There is a maximum of 25 spaces. Spaces are given on a first come first served basis.

You will then be notified if you have received a space. If you can’t attend this weekend, but are interested in further training days, please send us your email address to go on the mailing list.

Free to Participate:

This weekend is free to participate and travel costs will be reimbursed up to a cap. We can discuss overnight accommodation for those who aren’t able to travel there and back in a day.

bso Creative & Community Music leader training

Saturday 24 May (11.00am – 4.15pm) at M Shed Bristol and Sunday 25 May (10am – 1pm) at Windmill Hill Community Centre, Bristol

Apply now

Presented by the Pathways Into Music Foundation and supported by Arts Council England, University of Southampton, Turner Sims, and Southampton & IOW Music, this programme for music educators, education hubs and talent development organisations consists of a two-day in-person event in Southampton on 14 and 15 June, plus two accompanying webinars.

What’s it all about?

Join us on this free professional development programme that puts the focus on careers and trends in the music business, providing music educators with the information, knowledge and contacts they need to advise and support students who seek to pursue a career in music.

Who is it for?

Anyone involved in educating or supporting young people making music in the Solent, Bournemouth/ Christchurch/Poole and Hampshire regions, including: music teachers, instrument tutors, and FE and HE lecturers, plus people working for music education hubs and talent development, community music and youth organisations.

KEY DATES

The in-person weekend takes place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June 2025 at University of Southampton, Highfield Campus (Building 85, SO17 1BJ). Saturday sessions run from 10.30-18.30 Sunday sessions run from 09.30-16.30 A free lunch will be served on both days. Participants are also invited to join us for dinner on the Saturday evening at 19.00. Accompanying webinars take place on Wednesday 11 and Wednesday 18 June at 5pm.

How do I apply?

Fill out the application form on the Pathways Into Music website via the button below. You can also download a pdf with the full information regarding the development programme via the button below.

Our aim is to invite a diverse mix of participants who perform different roles in music education, in schools, colleges and universities, and beyond formal educational institutions. Achieving that diverse mix will be the primary criteria for selecting participants.

Pathways into music - INFORMATION Pack

Find all you need to know about the Pathways into Music development programme in this PDF.

View PDF

pATHWAYS INTO mUSIC - aPPLICATION FORM

Fill out the application form to apply for a place on Pathways into Music.

Apply Now

Congratulations to Anya Victoria who has officially released her debut single 'One More Chance'. 

Anya Victoria is a young emerging artist making 2000s dance pop and occasionally rock music.

She started song writing at the age of 15 and now at 17 has released her debut single 'One More Chance'.

Anya came into our Music Studio at Mayflower Studios to record the vocals for this song, with support from Matt Brombley, our Inclusion Lead. She then mixed and mastered the song herself, learning a lot through the process.

You can listen to ‘One More Chance’ on Spotify via the button below and follow to keep up with her future releases. We have also added it to our MIX’Zine page, where you can also submit your music for MIX’zine to share!

One More chance

Debut single by Anya Victoria

Listen on Spotify

Mix’zine

A connected community for music, events and support, created by young people, for young people. Sharing new music, music events, and support opportunities for young musicians.

Find Out More

Interested in recording in our Music Studio?

The Music Studio is a digital recording space run for, and by, young people, as part of Southampton Music Hub's Digital Native Artists Programme.

The music studio exists to help young people make, shape and lead music which matches their interests, helps them achieve their ambitions, and meets their needs. This is particularly true for children and young people who face barriers and challenges in their lives that might get in the way of them making music.

The studio is equipped with a powerful iMac running Logic, Ableton Live and more, with studio monitors and a studio mic. There is also a small PA in the space for live rehearsals.

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Apply to be a Trustee on the Young Southampton board - Deadline 2nd May 2025!

Young Southampton is a newly established, independent charity dedicated to improving the lives of young people in Southampton. We aim to strengthen youth services, increase investment, and ensure young people have a voice in decision-making.

We are now looking for passionate and skilled trustees to help lead this initiative and shape the future of youth services in the city. Whether you have experience in youth advocacy, governance, fundraising, financial management, safeguarding, or community engagement, we encourage you to apply or share this opportunity with others who may be a great fit.

Why Apply?

Play a key role in establishing and growing a charity that will make a lasting difference for young people.
Be part of an inclusive, forward-thinking board that values diverse perspectives and skills.
Gain governance experience, leadership skills, and new connections within the public, private, and voluntary sectors.
Ensure young voices are heard and represented in local services and decision-making.

How to Apply

Deadline for applications: 2 May 2025
Applications should include a CV and a short cover letter (max. 1 A4 page) explaining why you’re interested and how your skills align with Young Southampton’s needs.
Submit your application to: info@youngsouthampton.org.uk

The Independent Nominations Committee (INC) will review all applications. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview (if required) the week commencing 14 April 2025, before final trustee selections are made.

You can find full details of the role in the attached Trustee Recruitment Pack below.

If you, or someone you know, would like more information or require support with the application process, please reach out to info@youngsouthampton.org.uk and a member of our steering group will be happy to assist.

TRUSTEE RECRUITMENT PACK

Find full details of the role in the attached Trustee Recruitment Pack.

Download here

The ensembles of Southampton and Isle of Wight Music have once again been busy performing over the last half term. 

As always, the standard of playing is incredibly high.  It has been brilliant as well to see the directors finding new events for our groups to perform in and developing links with local community groups for joint performances.   For example Groove Syndicate and Groove Merchant taking part in the Bursfest in aid of HeartBeat back in February and the Southampton Youth Brass Band performed alongside Ocean Brass in March.

"The quality of performances given by Southampton's young musicians is always stunning.  Everyone at SIOW Music is incredibly proud of their achievements. Please do take a look at the SIOW Music events page - https://www.siowmusic.org/events - for what is coming up and come and join us for some brilliant music making by these amazing young people in the coming months."

- Zoe Hunting - SIOW Music Ensemble Manager

The National Youth Orchestra open applications for the Orchestra of 2026!

Playing in NYO is the greatest adventure teenagers can have through playing and sharing music. You’ll soar in your musical development. Perform on iconic stages. Master new music and new ideas. And play your part as an inspirational changemaker for other young people.

Imagine taking your seat in this cutting-edge orchestra, performing in amazing spaces, inspired by the awesome people around you and inspiring others too. It’s a challenge but we’ll support you every step of the way. It takes serious preparation but it’s seriously rewarding. 

As part of the Orchestra you’ll find a place to shape your world through music. You’ll soar in your musical development, discover new music and new ideas, and play your part as an inspirational role model for other young people.  

Applications for the Orchestra of 2026 are open. Apply by 19 May 9am. 

Join the Nyo

Find out full details and how to apply via the button below.

Find Out More

Young Sounds UK: Paid opportunity for 18-25 year old mentor 

We are recruiting for an 18-25 year old Mentor to support our Young Sounds UK Connect programme. 

About the Role 

Musical potential is everywhere but opportunity isn’t: financial and social obstacles too often get in the way. Connect aims to effect significant change in how the musical potential of young people from low-income families is identified and supported.

You will play a central role in supporting the Connector on the day-to-day planning and delivery of the Connect programme in your Hub. You will agree specific areas of work as per need and capacity. You will also be a highly visible contact for the families and young people accessing Connect which will help you to foster new mentoring relationships with the young people on the programme.  

The Commitment

Isle of Wight Mentor: 

• Hours of work: 2 hours per week x 35 weeks per year for general programme support. Individual mentoring sessions with young people are offered in addition to these core hours. Sessions will be for one hour and offered on a case-by-case basis.

Southampton Mentor:

• Hours of work: 2 hours per term x 3 terms per year for Get Together event support. Individual mentoring sessions with young people are offered in addition to these core hours. Sessions will be for one hour and offered on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

Please fill in the application form by following this link, by Wednesday 23 April at 12pm. https://forms.office.com/e/LtkZQqH9KJ

Interviews will take place either online or in person at the start of May. 

Download the full job description below. To find out more, get in touch with Frankie McCormick at frankie@siowmusic.org .  

Young Sounds UK - Connect Mentor

Download the full job description and person specification here.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Our partners Art Asia present: Tribute to Lata Mangeshkar, a concert by Karan Rana and Pooja Angra.

Brother and Sister duo Pooja and Karan will be paying tribute to the Nightingale of India – Swar Kokila Lata Mangeshkar. They will be performing timeless melodies spanning various genres from Lata Mangeshkar’s repertoire. Lata Mangeshkar’s legendary voice was the soundtrack for many generations of cinemagoers. Her contribution to the Indian music industry in a career spanning eight decades gained her honorific titles such as the “Queen of Melody” and “Voice of the Millennium”. The show promises to be a nostalgic trip for the fans of Lata Mangeshkar.

The concert will also feature high octane Sufi music tracks which are close to Pooja and Karan’s heart. Pooja and Karan will be joined by an outstanding team of musicians from London.

When is it: Friday 28 March 2025 at 7.00pm
Where is it: Mayflower Studios, 142-144 Above Bar Street, Southampton, SO14 7DU

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Southampton and IOW Music are looking to appoint to the following positions for 1 year’s fixed term maternity cover for the academic year 2025-26.

Job Vacancies:

Connector – Young Sounds 1.5 days per week term time only (IOW)

Connector – Young Sounds 0.5 days per week term time only (Southampton)

Project and music education co-ordinator – 2 days per week term time only (Southampton)

How to apply:

Applications, in the format of CV and covering letter, to be emailed to graham.hesp@southampton.gov.uk by Friday 28th March (Southampton) & Friday 18th April (IOW) at 12pm.

If you wish to apply for more than one role then please send a separate covering letter for each.

Interviews to be held on Friday 2nd May.

Job descriptions and person specifications for the roles can be found below.

Furthering Talent Connect: Local Connector

Download the Job Description and Person Specification. This is the same for both Southampton and IOW roles.

Download / View here

Projects and Music eDUCATION cOORDINATOR

Download the Job Description and Person Specification.

Download / View Here

Aurora Classroom will be completely free to access from April 2025 as part of their 20th Anniversary Celebration!

Aurora Classroom offers top-quality music resources for primary schools and specialist SEND settings. Including fully planned 10-week units of work and the ability to build your own lessons from their library of hundreds of activities and audio excerpts. You can access all of this for FREE as of April 2025!

Online CPD: Introducing composition in the primary classroom:

Join Aurora for an interactive session exploring ways to introduce musical composition in the primary classroom. Click the button below.

Aurora Classroom Youtube:

Check out Aurora Classroom’s new yotube channel sharing classroom resources for YFS, KS1 and specialist SEND settings. Click the button below.

Introducing composition in the primary classroom

Online CPD session

Wednesday 19 March at 3.45 - 4.45pm

Book Now

Aurora Classroom youtube

Including 10-week schemes of work and extensive activity and audio libraries, created by Aurora Orchestra's team of specialist educators.

Watch Now

Our Soundwaves Network SW Partners Take Art are offering CPD training sessions for Early Years music education, including online and in-person events.

 Below is a list of their upcoming training events! These are all available to book now:

Nurturing Creativity in Early Years Conference with Devon Music Hub. Fri 21 March £55 in-person Exeter

Nurturing your Early Years Music Provision with Jane Parker.  Thurs 27 March Free, in-person in partnership with Yeovil College

Fact-checking in Music Education with Dr Susan Young.  Wed 30 April. £5/£10 Online

Movement Play for Early Years with Hannah Lefeuvre.  Thurs 1 May.  Free, in-person in partnership with Yeovil College

Music, communication, language and literacy with Kate Comberti.  Mon 19 May. £5/£10 Online

Early Years Music: Nurturing children and staff with Vicky Trevithick, Hayley McDonnell and staff from nurseries in Southampton.  Tues 20 May £5 Online

The Power of Music: Supporting Children’s Wellbeing with Rosie Walton and Jane Parker.  Wed 11 June £5/£10 Online

Fostering your Early Years Music with Rachel Crane, Shelley Wood and staff from reception classes in Bournemouth & Poole.  Thursday 26 June. £5 Online

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An introduction to Baroque style for players of modern instruments with Fairest Isle Festival on Sunday 4th May 2025.

Attend a day of brilliant instrumental music by Henry Purcell. Led by the festivals artistic director Robert Hollingworth and baroque violinist Naomi Burrell.

Learn to play Purcell’s spritely dances, heart-rending ritornellos and a funky chaconne with people who have spent their lives in this repertoire - and feel the cloth of historical style wipe this sparkling music clean!

Who can attend: String players, including oboes and bassoons.

This is also open to young string plays under the age of 18 years of Grade 6 and above when attending with a parent chaperone.

When: Sunday 4th May 2025 at 10am - 4.15pm

Where: Ryde School, Queen's Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 3BE

Tickets: Adults: £23, Under 18s £15. Find full details and book via the button below!

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Registration is now open for The Music Teachers’ Association Conference happening in May 2025. This years theme is ‘Stronger Together’.

The Music Teachers’ Association Conference is is a annual flagship event, bringing together 250+ delegates from across the music education sector for a weekend of exceptional CPD sessions, inspiring keynotes, a lively trade fair, and plenty of networking opportunities.

 This year’s event encompasses the theme Stronger Together and will include a wide range of topics within over thirty CPD sessions, designed to support and enhance all aspects of your work.  Confirmed keynote speakers include Dr Jim Frankel and Mark De Lisser. 

Where: Trinity Academy, Bristol

When: Friday 16th to Sunday 18th May 2025

Price: Day tickets start at £90.

Registration is now open, with early bird ticket rates are available until Monday 31st March, and discounts available for Early Career Teachers and those who are self-employed. 

Apply to be a Trustee on the Young Southampton board - Deadline 11 April 2025!

Young Southampton is a newly established, independent charity dedicated to improving the lives of young people in Southampton. We aim to strengthen youth services, increase investment, and ensure young people have a voice in decision-making.

We are now looking for passionate and skilled trustees to help lead this initiative and shape the future of youth services in the city. Whether you have experience in youth advocacy, governance, fundraising, financial management, safeguarding, or community engagement, we encourage you to apply or share this opportunity with others who may be a great fit.

Why Apply?

Play a key role in establishing and growing a charity that will make a lasting difference for young people.
Be part of an inclusive, forward-thinking board that values diverse perspectives and skills.
Gain governance experience, leadership skills, and new connections within the public, private, and voluntary sectors.
Ensure young voices are heard and represented in local services and decision-making.

How to Apply

Deadline for applications: 11 April 2025
Applications should include a CV and a short cover letter (max. 1 A4 page) explaining why you’re interested and how your skills align with Young Southampton’s needs.
Submit your application to: info@youngsouthampton.org.uk

The Independent Nominations Committee (INC) will review all applications. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview (if required) the week commencing 14 April 2025, before final trustee selections are made.

You can find full details of the role in the attached Trustee Recruitment Pack below.

If you, or someone you know, would like more information or require support with the application process, please reach out to info@youngsouthampton.org.uk and a member of our steering group will be happy to assist.

TRUSTEE RECRUITMENT PACK

Find full details of the role in the attached Trustee Recruitment Pack.

Download here

On Monday 10 February SIOW Music invited talented musicians in our city to perform in a Secondary Schools’ Showcase Concert at MAST Mayflower Studios!

Southampton and Isle of Wight Music was delighted to be able to provide a platform for all of the fantastically talented young musicians in our City in our Secondary Showcase event. This evening performance gave secondary schools and college students an opportunity to perform, bringing a mixture of; individual performers, ensembles, bands and vocalists covering a wide variety of genres and styles.

Nia Collins, Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Strategic Programme Manager:

"What an amazing array of talent on display in so many different and diverse genres and styles of music! We are so lucky to have young musicians like this in the city and to be able to share that in Studio 1 at MAST Mayflower Studios and give them a literal platform to do so was an honour. It’s clear to see the incredible support the musicians were given by their music teachers, schools and also parents in facilitating them to take part in the event too”

A huge thanks to all the young musicians who took part and all of the SIOW Music staff and parents, friends and families who supported this event, and MAST Mayflower Studios for being the venue.

Below you can find all of the photographs from the event!

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Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will be performing and livestreaming its brand new Explore the Orchestra: Four Elements Schools' Concert on the afternoon of Wednesday 21 May 2025.

Designed for KS2 students, these thrilling and interactive concerts will be presented by award-winning composer, James Redwood.

Explore the Orchestra: Four Elements will feature music that seeks to uncover the mysteries of the four elements that make up our natural world and inspires scientific discovery.

So, prepare to open your mind as we go on a journey to explore music ranging from the traditional and familiar, to the contemporary and unknown.

This livestream concert is offered to primary schools completely FREE OF CHARGE!

It will remain available for 30 days after the event.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will also be delivering an online CPD, led by James, where you will be able learn the participatory elements featured in the concert in advance.  

The concert running time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

Book now for the Concert and Digital livestream via the buttons below!

Please contact Tom Kay on tkay@bsorchestra.co.uk  if you have any specific questions about the event.

For more information on what Explore the Orchestra is, please click here.

ks2 sCHOOLS concert & cpd: Lighthouse, Poole

Concert: Tuesday 20th / Wednesday 21st May

at 10.15am / 1.30pm

CPD session: Tuesday 25th March 2025

at 4.15 – 6pm (Wimbourne)

Book Now

Free DIGITAL LIVESTREAM OF CONCERT & ONLINE CPD

Livestream: Wednesday 21st May

at 1.30pm

Online CPD Session: Thursday 1st May

at 3.45 – 4.45pm (Zoom)

Book Now

For the creation of a new opera for early years, based on the picture book Flotsam by David Wiesner.

OperaUpClose is looking for a Composer/Librettist or Composer & Librettist Collaborators for the creation of a new opera for early years, based on the picture book Flotsam by David Wiesner.

In partnership with the Southampton & Isle of Wight Music, OperaUpClose will run a series of collaborative workshops with children from Reception to Year 2 to generate material for a new opera for early years inspired by Flotsam. Working together with teachers these workshops will use a co-creative approach, blending music-making with visual art and design.

This project is a key component of a broader strategy to integrate opera into early years music curriculums, and to explore the long-term benefits of music and opera for children's creativity and their appreciation for the arts.

Our aim is to both build teachers' confidence in delivering creative music activities and generate material for a new opera for early years, which will be performed in schools and theatres across the UK in Autumn 2026

Deadline for Expressions Of Interest:

Wednesday 12 March 2025 at 10am

Interviews will take place:

Wednesday 26 March at MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton

What is a National Open Youth Orchestra Ensemble?

There are 5 regional NOYO Ensembles, Bournemouth NOYO Ensemble is run in partnership with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

It provides an inclusive and accessible rehearsal environment for brilliant disabled and non-disabled musicians aged 11-25 years.

Expressions Of Interest:

• A short letter or video (maximum 1 side A4 or 2-minute video) outlining your interest and exploring your particular suitability for this project

• A CV (PDF format), and/or link to website. 1 example of previous work, preferably accessible online.

  A completed Equality and Diversity monitoring form

If Shortlisted for Interview:

• You will be invited to meet Flora McIntosh, Artistic Director and Ally Rosser, Executive Producer and to share your ideas.

• You will also be asked to prepare a short 2 – 4 minute musical pitch responding to the material in Flotsam.

OPERAUPCLOSE OPEN CALL: Composer/Librettist

Submit an expression of interest by Wednesday 12 March at 10am

FIND OUT MORE

National Open Youth Orchestra: Applications Open for September 2025! Deadline to apply: 31 March 2025

Applications are now open for the National Open Youth Orchestra Ensembles. If you are aged 11-25 years old, this opportunity might be for you!

Find out more and apply via the buttons below.

What is a National Open Youth Orchestra Ensemble?

There are 5 regional NOYO Ensembles, Bournemouth NOYO Ensemble is run in partnership with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

It provides an inclusive and accessible rehearsal environment for brilliant disabled and non-disabled musicians aged 11-25 years.

What’s Involved?

• Develop your ensemble skills, without the barriers that can make progress difficult for young disabled musicians.

• A chance to play, sing and create with like-minded individuals, through a practical music making sessions.

• Once a year, NOYO Ensemble musicians have the option to apply to audition for the National Open Youth Orchestra for the following year.

Who can join?

• We welcome applications from young disabled, neurodivergent and non-disabled musicians.

• We play acoustic, digital and accessible instruments and there is no requirement to read music or have taken graded exams.

• We also welcome disabled people with musical potential who might not yet play an instrument but control eyegaze technology or head trackers in a way that could transfer to playing the Clarion accessible instrument

NOYO Ensembles: Apply by 31 march 2025

Find the full information pack and how to apply via the button below.

Find Out More & Apply

NOYO Ensemble: open rehearsals

Attend an open rehearsal to help you decide if you would like to apply.

REGISTER now

On Sunday 23rd March, Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia warmly invite you to join at them Thornden Hall on an expedition through a varied and engaging programme!

Featuring music from:

The Prince of Egypt

Robert W Smith’s Into the Storm

The Jungle Book

Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia features around 80 of Southampton’s finest young musicians aged 11-18.

Tickets are available now, click the button to find out more.

SYCS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE

Sunday 23 March - Doors open: 2.30pm

Get Tickets

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Southampton Music Services present their annual Wind Band Pyramid concert on Saturday 1 March!

Featuring:

Southampton Youth Wind Band (John Hanchett)

Pulse8 (Charlotte Mann)

Airplay (Anna Robinson)

and Studio Band.

This will be an evening celebrating the fabulous young talented wind, brass and percussion musicians within Southampton. The bands will again be joined by Studio Band, who will bring their jazz flavour to the evenings concert!

Tickets are available now, click the button to find out more.

WINDBAND PYRAMID CONCERT

Saturday 1 March - 7pm at Thornden Hall

Get Tickets

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