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!”

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We're calling on young musicians across the UK to start their free musical adventure with NYO Inspire.

NYO Inspire is where teenage musicians find the free opportunities they need to grow, in music and in life. They accelerate as musicians with world-class tutoring and explore incredible music as part of the biggest orchestral music community they’ve ever seen.

Do you work with a musician who’s ready to turn their passion into progress?

Thank you for everything you do supporting young musicians to thrive. Please share this free opportunity with the musicians you work with!

We have created an e-flyer which you can share with your young people and parents. If you’d like printed posters or leaflets, just let us know and we’ll be happy to mail them to you.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from 13-18 year-old musicians who play orchestral instruments at a level equivalent to Grade 6 and above. There is no need for any official grades, but applicants should be passionate about music and determined to take their playing to the next level.

We prioritise musicians with the greatest need for a place. It’s primarily for teenage musicians who go to state school, who are looking for more opportunities to grow. Full eligibility available on our website.

NYO Inspire events fill up fast, musicians should complete applications by 31 July to have the best chance of being invited to a local activity, for the first event of the year. Applications officially close 30 September 2025.

It’s completely free! Travel bursaries also available.

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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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!

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