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

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are offering a FREE training weekend for aspiring community musicians at Portsmouth Guildhall on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March 2025.

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 BSO Associates Hugh Nankivell and Neil Valentine. 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.

Cost: Free to participate. Travel costs will be reimbursed and a hotel for Saturday night for those who aren’t local can be reimbursed on discussion. BSO will be able to recommend hotels.

Who is it for: This opportunity is aimed at musicians and creatives who are emerging in the field. This could be between the ages of 18-30 but we acknowledge this could also be for anyone looking to retrain or wanting further CPD e.g. music teachers or freelance supporting musicians who frequently work in community music sessions or workshops.

When is it: Saturday 22 March (11.00am - 4:30pm) and Sunday 23 March (10am - 1pm).

Where is it: Both days will be at Portsmouth Guildhall.

How to book: There is a maximum of 25 spaces and the deadline to book by is Friday 7 March 12pm. Book via the BOOK NOW button.

If you can’t attend this weekend, but are interested in further training days, please send BSO your email address to go on the mailing list.

Put this next date in your diary: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May in Bristol.

BSO: Creavtive and Community Music Leader Training

FREE creative weekend for aspiring community musicians at Portsmouth Guildhall, Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 March.

Deadline to book: 7 March 12pm. Spaces limited.

Book Now