With the new term starting in September, many workshops, classes & groups are starting up again. Below is a breakdown of some upcoming offerings from SIOW Music and our Partners!

Don’t miss your chance to book on to classes including music making, song-writing, singing, creative collaborations and dance!

Digital Native Artist Groups from SIOW Music:

Mix’Zine - A conected commnity for music, events and support - created by young people for young people. Monthly Mondays from 4.30 - 6.00pm.

Music Production Collective - Monthly group sessions for collaborations among young beat makers, producers and songwriters. Mondays from 4.30 - 6.00pm.

Flow - Twice monthly rap group session for young rappers - no experience necessary! Saturdays from 10.30am - 12.00pm.

Girls Make Music is taking a short break, but will be returning soon! Keep an eye out for updates.

All of these sessions are FREE to attend, with support from Youth Music. They take place at our Music Studio, in Mayflower Studios.

See below for further information on our poster and future dates on the events calendar.

View fullsize

Workshops, classes & groups from our Partners:

On the Isle of Wight

Songwriters Den - Learn different writing techniques, find out how to create melodies, chord progressions, try out new instruments, perform your songs at events & festivals!

£28 per month, September - July, half price for anyone in receipt of support services. These sessions take place at Newport Congregational Church.

Contact islandmusicmakers@gmail.com to book your space for September 2025.

In Southampton

St Michaels & All Angels’ Junior Choir - Junior Choir is a wonderful opportunity for children in years 3 - 9 to learn music, practice with friends and sing at monthly services!

Practice is on Wednesday evenings during term time at 6.30 - 7.45pm. Find out more and fill in the application form to join here.

St Michaels are also hosting a Half-term Singing Event on Wednesday 29th October from 1.30 - 5.00pm. You can reserve a space here.

Music and Dance classes by ArtAsia - Art Asia runs a thriving programme of weekly music and dance classes in Southampton. From Carnatic Music to Bollywood Dance!

Run by professional practitioners, we aim to provide the most authentic, high quality classes in the region.

Boost your confidence, learn something new, keep fit with classes from professional tutors in Southampton.

Join at the start of term. New timetables are available and booking is open. You can find more information on ArtAsia’s music and dance classes and Book via their website.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

On 5 July 2025 we celebrated a fantastic evening of music, Southampton Youth Wind Band performed at Chandlers Ford Methodist Church in an end of year concert.

The evening included band awards for our talented young musicians, performances from our Award Holders, and recognition of 2025 leavers. We would like to thank all for their dedication, passion and outstanding performances.

This concert was also Kevin Withell’s last performance as an assistant to SYWB, we would like to thank Kevin for all of his hard work, commitment and support to the ensemble.

Below you can find photos and videos from the evening!

Video Block

Double-click here to add a video by URL or embed code. Learn more

This week marked the culmination of the Sound Out! Project, delivered by London Sinfonietta in partnership with SIOW music and Turner Sims.

Children from IOW and Southampton were entertained at Ryde Academy, Medina Theatre and Turner Sims by  Patrick Bailey, London Sinfonietta musicians and the Sound Out Young Ensemble which was made up of pupils from Carisbrooke College and Upper Shirley High School.

Pupils explored how to compose and create new music, led by presenter Patrick Bailey.

They listened to pieces by living composers, joined in with the performance and heard new work by young people from Southampton and the Isle of Wight.  Pupils from Ryde academy and Bassett Green heard their music created in workshops led by the composer come to life in the performances. The compositions were environmentally themed, continuing to embed SCMP's environmental focus. 

In an article for Southampton Forward, Kath Page shares her excitement for Tapestry Festival, SIOW Music working as an event partner and what this has involved:

“A great example of our work at Southampton and Isle of Wight Music is a project to showcase the talent of local children and young people at the new Tapestry Festival at Westquay on 19th and 20th July, and I’m really excited to be a part of this.

Three city-centre schools took part in vocal workshops to learn a set of songs about Southampton and the areas that Jane Austen would have lived in and frequented. One of the songs, about the many languages and cultures in Southampton, aligns particularly well with the world music focus of Tapestry.

The next phase of the project is a filming day for the participating schools with students from Solent University, who will create a video of the performances to share on screens at Tapestry in between acts, performances and workshops.

Performance can feel a bit daunting, but it’s so important because it helps young people grow – not just as musicians but as confident, expressive and connected individuals. Engaging in performance allows young individuals to express themselves creatively and authentically and this form of self-expression can be really empowering.

Tapestry is such an exciting event. As Event Partner, SIOW Music was involved from the start, helping Southampton Forward put the programme together and recommending local artists via our hub to perform and to run workshops at the festival.

Tapestry is free and open to everyone and it’s completely family friendly. We’re so lucky to have this new event in the heart of the city, attracting first-class musicians from across the UK as well as local acts. I also think it’s vital festivals like Tapestry are bringing a range of music to a wider audience, helping to foster inclusivity, cultural understanding and emotional connection across communities.

We have several wonderful projects coming up in addition to Tapestry, including London Sinfonietta workshops with secondary schools’ ensembles and concert performances for Key Stage 3 students at Turner Sims as well as English National Opera’s ‘Finish This’ end of year composition workshops and performances at Redbridge Community School. Southampton Youth Orchestra’s 60th anniversary concert on Saturday 12th July at 02 Guildhall Southampton also promises to be a great night.”

- Kath Page, Consortium Lead, South Coast Music Partnership, SIOW Music Manager, SCEP Chair.

The full article can be read here.

Tapestry festival

Free Festival at Westquay Esplanade

2-8pm on 19th & 20th July

Find Out More

Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hub presented the Community Stage this year at Turner Sims family day.

We celebrated local talented young people with an exciting line up of performances from performers that take part in Rising Stars open mic nights at The Stage Door as well as performances from Groove Merchant and Groove Syndicate.

Below is an Instagram reel from Turner Sims sharing fun from the day!

“It’s a wrap for Family Day at the Turner Sims Summer Festival 2025.

What an amazing day at the University of Southampton! Music-making workshops, free music outside all day, face painting, families making memories in our beautiful gardens and (of course) in the building where all the musical magic happens!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Turner Sims (@turner_sims)

We are delighted to announce that some of our talented young musicians and performers from The Stage Door: Rising Stars will be performing at this year’s Southampton Mela Festival on Sunday 13 July!

The Southampton Mela Festival is a long-standing summer highlight in Southampton’s events calendar celebrating Modern and Traditional Asian Culture. Enjoy two days of free music, arts and culture from our partners Art Asia.

The Southampton Mela Festival takes place on Saturday 12th – Sunday 13th July 2025, in Hoglands Park in the heart of Southampton. The festival will open at 12pm with performances starting at 12pm and the final act on the main stage running until to 9pm. Sunday will be a community day with activity from 12pm to 6pm.

View fullsize

Last Thursday we celebrated the hopes and views of young people in primary education on the Isle of Wight at “Our Day will Come”, a school and singing event led by Southampton and Isle of Wight Music (@siowmusic) and staged at Carisbrooke Castle with @englishheritage with Isle of Wight Cultural Education Partnership ‘Creative Island’.

Around 600 pupils from 15 schools took part in the preparation and performance of the event. The Cultural Education Partnership (Under @creativeisland_iw) were proud to help fund the commissioning of five original songs by local songwriters and songwriting workshops with the pupils.

These workshops produced work that reflected how the children feel about growing up here and making plans for the future. In addition, art workshops with @new.carnival enabled pupils to express these ideas through the production of their own colourfully illustrated flags, that went onto decorate the staging area at the Castle. They asked pupils:
1) What’s your favourite thing about the Island?
2) What’s your favourite thing about school?
3) What are your hopes for the future?

A big well done to all the young people who took part and for their loved ones who came along to support.

You can view Creative Islands instagram post (which includes a video from the event) below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by IWCEP (@iwcep_creativeisland)

TAPESTRY Festival 2025 is now only a few weeks away!

TAPESTRY Festival is a brand-new, free music festival taking place in the heart of Southampton on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July 2025. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the city’s medieval walls, the festival transforms Westquay Esplanade into a stage for outstanding live music, original commissions, and unforgettable performances.

Across two summer days, audiences can experience an inspiring mix of world-class artists and exceptional Southampton talent, brought together in a vibrant programme that draws on musical traditions from across the UK and beyond — echoing Southampton’s identity as a city shaped by movement, migration and exchange.

Alongside the music, visitors can enjoy food and drink from local vendors and explore everything the city centre has to offer – all just a short walk from Southampton Central Station.

Join us for TAPESTRY – a weekend of music that crosses borders, generations, and genres, right here in Southampton.

No tickets, no barriers – just great music.

KEY DETAILS:

📍Westquay Esplanade, Southampton
🗓Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 July 2025
🎟FREE ENTRY – No tickets required

TAPESTRY Festival

19 - 20 july 2025

A brand new FREE music festival of world-class artists and exceptional Southampton talent taking place in the heart of Southampton.

Find Out More

tapestry festival on instagram

Follow TAPESTRY Festival on Instagram to stay in the loop!

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

View fullsize

Our Summer Concerts season is underway, with performances from our Ensembles & Young Musicians!

Find full details and how to book for each event through the link to the listing on our events page.

🎷Studio Band: Studio Band at Eastleigh Concorde Club — Southampton and IOW Music

Monday 23 June 2025, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

The Concorde, Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 9HQ.

Studio Band (fka Jazz Workshop) is a 10 piece Jazz Band playing a selection of modern & classic jazz tunes!

They will be joined by special guests from Southampton University: Nomad

🎺 Southampton Youth Brass Band: Southampton Youth Brass Band at St Cross Fete — Southampton and IOW Music

Saturday 28 June, 1:30 pm 5:00 pm

The Hospital of St Cross, Saint Cross Back Street, Winchester, England, SO23.

SYBB will be performing 3 sets between 1.30-5pm.

Funds raised are for the church at St Cross, Winchester Bereavement Group, Winchester Young Carers and Winchester Hospice.

🎺 Southampton Youth Strings & Elgar: Southampton Youth Strings & Elgar: Summer Concert! — Southampton and IOW Music

Monday 30 June 2025, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Cantell School, Violet Rd, Southampton, SO16 3GJ

Free entry. There will be a retiring collection at the end of the concert.

🌟 Rising Stars Open Mic Night: Rising Stars Open Mic Night @ The Stage Door — Southampton and IOW Music

Tuesday 1 July 2025 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at The Stage Door, 78 West Marlands Road, SO14 7FW.

In partnership with The Stage Door and J Fashole-Luke.

Featuring Local Young Musicians.

🥁 Airplay & Boom!: Boom & Airplay joint concert at Cantell — Southampton and IOW Music

Thursday 3 July 2025, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

Cantell School, Violet Rd, Southampton, SO16 3GJ.

There will be a retiring collection at the end of the concert.

🎷 Southampton Youth Brass Band: SYBB live at Romsey Bandstand! — Southampton and IOW Music

Saturday 5 July 2025, 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm.

Romsey Bandstand, The Meads 31, Romsey SO51 8HB

🎻 Southampton Youth Wind Band: SYWB live at Chandlers Ford Methodist Church — Southampton and IOW Music

Saturday 5 July 2025, 7:00 pm - 9:15 pm.

Chandlers Ford Methodist Church, Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford, SO53 2GJ.

Southampton Youth Wind Band will be performing at Chandlers Ford Methodist Church in an end of year celebration, including band awards and recognition of 2025 leavers!

🎺 Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia: SYCS live at Royal Victoria Country Park — Southampton and IOW Music

Sunday 6 July 2025, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

Royal Victoria County Park, Netley Abbey Hill, Southampton, SO31 5GA.

Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia will be performing at Royal Victoria Country Park.

🎻 Pulse8 Summer Concert: Pulse8 Concert — Southampton and IOW Music

Monday 7 July 2025, 6:00 pm - 6:45 pm.

Cantell School, Violet Road, Southampton, SO16 3GJ.

🎻 Southampton Youth Orchestra: SYO 60th Anniversary Concert at O2 Guildhall Southampton! — Southampton and IOW Music

Saturday 12 July 2025, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

O2 Guildhall Southampton, West Marlands Road, Southampton, SO14 7LP.

Southampton Youth Orchestra present a 60th anniversary concert: Carmina Burana at O2 Guildhall Southampton, performing with local massed choirs.

South Coast Music Partnership (SCMP) is the Music Hub for: Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP); Isle of Wight; Portsmouth; Southampton.

SCMP are a consortium led by three organisations: Portsmouth Music Hub; Soundstorm Music Education Agency ; Southampton & Isle of Wight Music

Together we lead a strong network of diverse local partnerships to deliver the National Plan for Music Education and provide high-quality music education for all children and young people across our region.

Our work on inclusion is underpinned by an understanding that:

Inclusion is a journey not a destination!

Our understanding of, and our ability to bring about, musical inclusion is always developing. This strategy builds upon the Hub’s needs analysis, and links to our other strategies, plans and policies.

You can read our Inclusion Strategy in full, find links to further resources and training and get in touch about working together via our website.

2025 - 2030 Inclusion Strategy

Download our Inclusion Strategy in full.

DOWNLOAD

2025 - 2030 Inclusion Strategy

Find out more via our website and access links to further resources and training around Inclusion.

Find Out More

Art Asia Trust is proud to be presenting an extraordinary evening of Sufi Qawwali music featuring the internationally acclaimed Najmuddin Saifuddin & Group. This special performance, Songs of the Mystics, will take place at Turner Sims Concert Hall, Southampton on Saturday 31st May, 2025, at 7:30pm. 

We invite you to join us for this extraordinary evening. Your ticket purchase will directly support our mission to bring South Asian artistic experiences to our community. Tickets are just £18.50 (discounts available). 

Najmuddin Saifuddin & Group are renowned worldwide for their soul-stirring performances of Qawwali, the devotional music of Sufism that dates back over 700 years. As direct descendants of the original Qawwali court singers from the 13th century, the group brings unparalleled authenticity and spiritual depth to their performances.

The evening promises to be a transcendent journey through the mystical traditions of Sufism, featuring powerful vocals, hypnotic rhythms, and the timeless poetry of Sufi saints.

We are honoured to bring Najmuddin Saifuddin & Group to Southampton as part of our ongoing commitment to showcasing the finest traditional and contemporary South Asian performing arts. Qawwali music has a unique power to cross cultural and linguistic boundaries, speaking directly to the heart and soul. In today's divided world, these songs of love, devotion, and unity carry a message that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. 

You will hear interviews with the group on Unity 101, Awaaz FM and BBC Radio coming up over the next few weeks. You can see a previous performance on YouTube here. 

The performance is presented by Art Asia & SAMA in partnership with SAYarts.

You can book via the button below.

Songs of the Mystics

by Najmuddin Saifuddin & Group.

Friday 31 May 2025 at Turner Sims, 7:30pm.

Tickets are just £18.50 (discounts available). 

Get Tickets

Get tickets for the gigs and concerts we have coming up next month with our wonderful young musicians taking centre stage!

🌟 The Stage Door: Rising Stars Open Mic Night

Tuesday 3 June 2025, 6 - 9pm at The Stage Door, Southampton

A monthly open mic night for young musicians in the city, each night will features a house band of local musicians with a wide variety of styles, genres and instruments who host and support young people to participate.  Come and support our incredibly talented emerging local artists!

🎷 Studio Band at The Concorde!

Monday 23 June 2025, 7 - 8:30 pm at Eastleigh Concorde Club

Studio Band (fka Jazz Workshop) is a 10 piece Jazz Band playing a selection of modern & classic jazz tunes! They will be joined by special guests from Southampton University: Nomad

🎻 Southampton Youth Strings & Elgar Strings: Summer Concert

Monday 30 June 2025, 7 - 8:30 pm at Cantell School

Our youth strings groups Soutampton Youth Strings and Elgar will be performing in a joint concert at Cantell School, come and celebrate their hard work & listen to their music!

Join this online sharing event and learn directly from early years staff and music practitioners on their experience of working collaboratively together over a period of ten weeks.

During this session you will gain insights into how music is recognised, valued and can be embedded in the everyday.

Staff from two early years settings, Hardmoor Early Years Centre and Mansel Park Nursery in Southampton share how they developed their Early Years music provision with the support of two early years music practitioners, Vicky Trevithick and Hayley McDonnell, as they took part in Take Art’s SoundWaves Network SW programme.

This event is for:

• EY practitioners / EYFS teachers

• Music teachers / Music practitioners / Music subject leads

• Childminders

• Students

• Anyone else with an interest in Early Childhood Music Education

We hope you can join us at this live event – it is interactive and you will get more from it by joining us in real time.  In case you just can’t make the time this event will be recorded. All those who book will receive a copy of the recording (for a limited time after the event) and a handout of the presentations.

How to attend:

This event will take place on Tuesday 20 May 2025 at 9.30 – 10.45 am, online via Zoom.

Ticket costs just £5 and are free for students. 

Ticket Options:

Option 1 - I am attending the zoom event on 20 May 2025.

Option 2 - I cannot attend the zoom event but would like to watch the recording & receive the handout

Closing date 5.00 pm Wednesday 14 May 2025.  No late bookings will be accepted.  Joining instructions will be sent out at least 24 hours before the event.

We very much hope that you are able to attend and see how these two projects have unfolded.

This online training event is part of SoundWaves Network SW Youth Music funded programme, hosted by Take Art in partnership with Southampton & IOW Music and SoCo Music.

View fullsize

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

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

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

View fullsize

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

View fullsize

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!

View fullsize

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!

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

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