Now is your chance to take part in Orchestral Weekends or Orchestral Weeks in 2026!

View fullsize

• Do you play an orchestral instrument?

• On 31st August 2025 will you be in the age range of 8-13?

You could audition to take part in Orchestral Weekends or Orchestral Weeks in 2026. Show us what you’ve got - we can’t wait to hear you!

How to apply for an audition:

Scroll down to the large buttons containing ‘Key Info: 2025-2026 Auditions’ & ‘Auditions Handbook’ towards the bottom of this news piece for further information on how to apply.

The ‘Key Info’ document contains some films you can watch to learn more about what to expect in the auditions.

Auditions will be open from Wednesday 14th May to the deadline at 9am on Thursday 31st July 2025. Find out more at www.nco.org.uk

At NCO, our purpose is to champion the life-changing power of music. This year almost 2000 children aged 8-14 connected with National Children’s Orchestras through:

• auditioned Orchestral Weeks and Weekends,

• non-auditioned Orchestral Days

• activities with schools, music education hubs and other partner organisations

• free tickets to concerts

We are interested to hear from all young musicians, whatever their background, schooling or circumstances. We are particularly keen to increase representation in our orchestras from groups currently under-represented in classical music and to increase the number of children from state schools.

All auditioned NCO activities include world class in-person orchestral coaching with incredible tutors, guest artists and conductors, as well as access to our online activities and resources. We welcome auditions for NCO 2026 from young musicians who:

• are aged 8-13 years old (as of 31st August 2025)

• play an orchestral instrument to the appropriate standard and

• are British citizens or are living/studying in the UK

Did you know?

• Children do not need to have taken any formal grade exams to be part of NCO, because offers of membership are based on their playing and musicality in their audition video.

• It is free to audition, and auditions are submitted via a pre-recorded video.

• If a family needs help with any stage of the auditions process, our friendly team are here to help and guide in whatever way we can.

Find out more about NCO and how to audition on our website: https://www.nco.org.uk/join-in/auditioning-for-nco or email auditions@nco.org.uk with any questions you may have. If you would like to know more about our expanding range of free, non-auditioned activities (partnerships with Music Hubs, Schools concerts and open access projects) please get in touch with me directly.

Play together. Be unstoppable.

Auditions Handbook

Full details on what it means to be part of NCO, the auditions process and how to apply!

View / Download

Key Info: 2025-2026 Auditions

Key info on auditioning for NCO.

VIEW / Download

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.

View fullsize

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

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

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