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

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 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

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

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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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

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

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

Island Music Makers have some wonderful opportunities for young people to learn and make music!

Sign ups are open for 2025. Find out more below and visit our Music Groups page for music groups run by the hub, our partner organisations and people we recommend!

Songwriters Den:

The Songwriters Den is a place for ​young people to come together and be supported to write songs, as part of a ​group and as individuals. No experience required.

Whether your child already plays an instrument or they’re looking to learn, or if ​they just enjoy creative writing - they should come along and meet some like ​minded creatives and start making music!

Who is it for: 8-16 yr olds

Where is it: Newport Congregational Church, Pyle Street

When is it: Wednesdays (during term time) from 4pm til 5pm (Oct to July)

What’s Involved?

• Support to write lyrics and share ideas

• Learn different song writing techniques and approaches

• Create chord progressions and compose music

• Explore instruments and live performance equipment

• Opportunities to perform songs at local festivals and community venues

• Option to work towards elements of GCSE and BTEC Music

PRICE: The first session is free! If they wish to continue after the first session, the ​cost is £28 per calendar month (paid by standing order from October to July).

The ​price covers the cost of resources as well as performances that take place ​outside the weekly club sessions.

*If your child is in receipt of support services or free school meals, you are ​entitled to a discount of 50% (£14 per calendar month). Please be sure to make a ​note of this on the form when you register your child. *

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Join our partners St Michael and All Angels Church for a half-term singing day!

This singing day is for all children in years 3 to 9 (aged 7-14) and no previous musical experience is necessary to take part!

When is it: Wednesday 19 February at 9.30am - 3.00pm.

Where is it: St Michael and All Angels Church, Bassett Avenue S016 7GU

Cost: £5 per child

Please bring: a packed lunch per child.

To register for a place, please click the button below or visit: nab.org.uk/singing-days

St Michael’s is a partner of the SIOWM supporting concerts and events throughout the year.

Its Junior Choir practises every week in term time, and provides the opportunity for young people to receive a thorough training in music theory and practice, while participating in the centuries-old tradition of English church music that is envied the world over. It’s open to all children in Year 3 and above regardless of previous musical experience. The free singing and music tuition follows the Royal School of Church Music’s “Voice for Life” training scheme.

As well as weekly practices and monthly church services, choristers also have the opportunity to sing at other events including concerts, cathedral visits, weddings, and social events, and partner-events organised with the SIOMM.

Andrew Hanley, St Michael’s Director of Music, is a professional musician with comprehensive knowledge of choral music. He is assisted by a team of scholars and other experienced choir members, who run the programme for junior singers. Everyone involved in training choristers is checked and supervised in accordance robust safeguarding policies.

We have now added St Michael’s Junior Choir to our Music Hub Recommends section on our Music Groups page, where you will find links to groups, bands, orchestras and ensembles in Southampton and the Isle of Wight which are led or supported by SIOW Music and our partners.

St Michael’s Junior Choir

A wonderful opportunity to learn music and contribute month by month to the services at St Michael’s. Suitable for Year 3 and above - no musical experience necessary.

Find Out More

A new round of Mike Howley Trust funding will be open for applications from Monday 20th January 2025!

This funding is available for 18-30 year old creatives on the Isle of Wight who want to develop their skills in music, dance, theatre/film, or writing.

Funding can be used towards training, coaching, recording, rehearsal space, staging, publishing, instruments, equipment, conference fees/travel/hotel, legal fees, etc.

Awards of £500, £1000, and £1500 are available. 
For funding information & application guidelines, please use the button below.

Deadline to apply: Monday 17 February, midnight.

For funding information and application guidelines, please visit Quay Arts website: www.quayarts.org/mike-howley-trust-funding/

If you would like to discuss your ideas / get advice before applying, please do not hesitate to get in touch. The Arts Team are happy to have a chat anytime, please email artsteam@quayarts.org or call 01983 822490.

FIND OUT MORE AND Apply Now!

This funding is available for 18-30 year old creatives on the Isle of Wight who want to develop their skills in music, dance, theatre/film, or writing.

Find Out More

Turner Sims is launching the second edition of Turn It Up, a development opportunity for local musicians. Turn up the volume on your project and prepare to perform at our summer festival.

Do you have a project idea you want to develop and present to new audiences live? Are you ready to develop your craft and boost your professional career? We will help you develop your project and provide a national platform for you to perform it.

You can find full details of this opportunity, along with other support, resources and CPD for Music Leaders, Peripatetic Teachers and Musicians on our Professional Development for Music Leaders page.

Online Briefing Sessions:

• Tuesday 21 January 10-10.30am 

• Tuesday 21 January 7-7.30pm 

Deadline to apply: Sunday 2 February 2025 

FIND OUT MORE AND Apply Now!

The selected artist will receive a tailored package to support their development and performance.

Find Out More

Returning for 2025! Our monthly Open Mic Night for talented musicians in the City.

Every first Tuesday of the month, young musicians in Southampton perform and share their music, across a wide variety of instruments, genres and styles. This open mic night returned on 7th January and will continue next month on Tuesday 4 February at 6-9pm!

We are delighted to continue partnering with The Stage Door and J Fashole-Luke to host these events.

Each night features a house band of local musicians with a wide variety of styles, genres and instruments who will host and support young people to participate. 

Dates for this year:

4th February 2025

4th March 2025

1st April 2025

6th May 2025

3rd June 2025

1st July 2025

Interested in taking part?

Find out all you need to know about the Open Mic Nights and sign up to perform as a young musician!

Find Out More

Out On An Island are on the lookout for a Part-Time Project Assistant (Freelance – 8hrs/week) based on the Isle of Wight for our National Lottery Community-funded project, Out On An Island – Building Bridges.

This is a varied, hybrid role with the opportunity to use your creativity and individuality. Duties include, but not limited to: administration, social media, assisting and representing StoneCrabs in meetings and networking events. A great prospect to work with a socially engaged and supportive team dedicated to promoting inclusion and community cohesion through the arts!

Important Dates:

Q&A Open Session: Tuesday January 7 at 4pm
(Email outonanisland@stonecrabs.co.uk to register for the link)

️ Application Deadline: Monday January 13 midnight

️ Interviews: Monday January 20, in person on the Isle of Wight

Application Process:
Please email your application, including a letter of suitability (up to 1 side of A4) or a link to a sound recording or video (max 10 mins) and an up-to-date CV, to outonanisland@stonecrabs.co.uk

For the full job description and application pack click here.

StoneCrabs is committed to inclusivity and encourages applications from LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities and from global majority backgrounds.

SAVE THE DATE

We are hard at work preparing for our upcoming Pride In Self, Pride In Place exhibition  Feb 15 - March 16, 2025 at Quay Arts Main Gallery, when we will be celebrating 20 years of LGBT+ History Month.

Out On An Island is entering on a new and exciting phase thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund.

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Carla, aged 14, has been attending our monthly Mix’Zine sessions as part of our Digital Native Artists group. Mix’Zine is a connected community for music, events and support - created by young people, for young people.

Carla is a talented singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, and has been working on creating her own music. In our November and December Mix’Zine sessions, we took the opportunity to create a short lyric video for the first verse of her new song ‘Galaxies’. We created this video in CapCut, a free editing software.

You can now listen to and watch the lyric video on our Digital Native Artists youtube channel and Mix’Zine instagram!

Are you interested in doing something similar? Then join Mix’Zine!

You can sign up and find out more about the group here, or send us your music so that we can share it for you!

jOIN mIX’ZINE!

Do you want to learn how to create a lyric video, how to promote your own or others music, or do you have an idea you would like try out?

We can help at Mix’Zine sessions!

Find out more

Submit your music!

Are you a young singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, rapper, beat-maker, music producer?

Mix’Zine can share & promote your music for you!

SUBMIT HERE

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Join students and teachers from Platform One - College of Music to hear performances from bands, young people and learn lots about events, sound, music technology and jobs in the music industry.  This will be happening in April - July 2025.

Details of spaces available will come directly from Platform One to your settings so this is one to look out for!

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Are you ready to take the stage and showcase your talent?  Don’t miss your chance to be part of BandStorm 2025, the ultimate event for rising stars!

The stage is set for BandStorm 2025 – SoundStorm’s battle of the bands competition in partnership with Absolute Music and the The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth (Bournemouth Uni). A highlight of the SoundStorm calendar, our annual battle of the bands has brought to the stage a wonderful array of talented performers, bands and vocalists and we are excited to be announcing the details for this year’s BandStorm competition!

For the first time we open this competition to young people from across BCP , Dorset , Southampton, Portsmouth , Isle Of Wight and the surrounding area!

Deadline to apply: 13/12/24

Bring your sound, your energy, and your passion. This is YOUR moment!

Tag your bandmates and share the news! Let’s make some noise!

You must be Y9 – 13, at school, college or home educated.

Apply now (via the button below) and let the world hear what you’ve got!

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