Posts in Music in the Community
South Coast Music Partnership Conference 2025
South Coast Music Partnership Conference 2025

Innovation: Driving Music Forward

Join us on 23 January 2025, at the iconic Portsmouth Guildhall for an inspiring day of exploration and collaboration at South Coast Music Partnership’s Music Education Conference. This year's theme, Innovation: Driving Music Forward, invites educators and music practitioners to engage in meaningful discussion and, explore new innovative ideas and transformative practices that are shaping the future of music education.

Strands of sessions across the day will be suitable for EYFS, KS1, KS2, KS3 and KS4 along with specialist sessions on vocal, curriculum and SEND. You can explore the sessions and full schedule on the South Coast Music Partnership website.

The dynamic line-up of presenters and workshop leaders, drawn from across the music education sector, will provide invaluable insights and hands-on experiences designed to ignite creativity and enhance your teaching practice. Whether you're a seasoned music educator or just starting out, this conference is an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, share innovative strategies, and explore new approaches to fostering musical talent in the classroom.

Don't miss this chance to be part of a vibrant community dedicated to advancing music education. Together, we can drive music forward!

Tickets are £90 with lunch included or £50 for students - schools will be invoiced for your attendance after booking so please have the details of your finance contacts when completing the booking form.

Thursday 23 January 2025

Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, UK

Find Out More & Sign Up
Music in the Community, Music in SchoolsHannah BuckinghamSouth Coast Music Partnership, Conference, CPD
Concerts in November & December!

A round up of the concerts and performances taking place through the end of November and into December!

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

November

December

  • Sunday 1 December: Southampton Youth Orchestra live at Turner Sims — Southampton Music Hub [Southampton]

    • Southampton Youth Orchestra’s first concert of the season is an all-French programme with a Spanish twist, featuring Delibes’ Coppelia Suite, Chabrier’s Espana and an exciting performance of Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnol, featuring the debut concerto performance of one of our own young violinists.

  • Wednesday 4 December: Southampton University Symphony Orchestra at Turner Sims: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story — Southampton Music Hub [Southampton]

    • Southampton University Symphony Orchestra and Turner Sims would like to invite you to a free performance featuring Leonard Bernstein's thrilling ‘Symphonic Dances from West Side Story’! This performance is perfect for local families with children up to 15 and is an ideal opportunity for young people learning an instrument, who are interested in learning an instrument, or anyone looking for a fun evening out!

  • Wednesday 11 December: Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia live at Thornden Hall — Southampton Music Hub [Southampton]

    • Join Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia, Southampton's largest youth orchestra, for an evening of festive favourites from our most loved Christmas films.  Programmes to include everything from Aladdin to White Christmas, along with wonderful festive lighting.  Fun for all the family - not to be missed!

Music in the Community, Music in Schools, Family Music, EnsemblesHannah BuckinghamSouthampton, IOW
Southampton Youth Orchestra at Turner Sims!
Southampton Youth Orchestra at Turner Sims!

On Sunday 1st December, Southampton Youth Orchestra will perform the first concert of their 60th Anniversary season.

On the programme is Èdouard Lalo’s violin concerto ‘Symphonie Espagnole’ performed by one of Southampton’s own young musicians. 15-year-old Teresa is a phenomenal young talent and this concert marks her very first full concerto performance with an orchestra. An excellent pianist as well as a violinist, Teresa attends the Royal College of Music Junior Department, came third in the 2023 North London Music Festival and won the 2024 Bournemouth Music Competitions Festival.

As a music service and as a city, we should be very proud not just of Teresa’s blistering talent, but of her 50 peers who make up the rest of Southampton Youth Orchestra. We are only a small city, but the passion for and dedication to music is huge, and Southampton Music Service’s figurehead orchestra deserves to be recognised by a far wider audience.

The concert will take place at Turner Sims Concert Hall at 5pm.

Tickets are priced at £12, £8 concessions, and £1 under 18s, and are available to book at turnersims.co.uk or by phoning the box office at 023 8059 5151.

Full details can be found on our events page here.

Music in the Community, EnsemblesHannah BuckinghamSouthampton Youth Orchestra, Turner Sims, Southampton
DNA: Free Music Groups in Southampton!
DNA: Free Music Groups in Southampton!

As part of our Digital Native Artists programme, we have 4 free music groups which you can join!

Whether you’re well on your way with your musical journey or just starting out, these sessions are open.

You can come along regularly, try out a session or drop in when you need the support.

  1. Girls Make Music: Production Collective — Girls Make Music is a music production club providing young women and girls access to making music in an exciting, creative space in the MAST Studios!

    Fortnightly Wednesdays 4.30pm - 6.00pm (all ages) additional hour ‘til 7.00pm (16 - 21 years)

    at MAST Music Studio.

    All young women & girls ages 11 - 21, inclusive of cis, trans and non-binary, women & girls.

  2. Music Production Collective — MPC is a monthly music production group session, providing space for collaboration between beatmakers, producers and songwriters, an opportunity to learn new skills and get support with music making.

    Monthly Mondays 4.30pm - 6.00pm at MAST Music Studio.

    Ages 11-18

  3. FLOW — Flow is a monthly rap group session for young rappers, whether you’re just starting out on your musical journey or are well on your way!

    Saturdays 10.30am - 12.00pm at MAST Music Studio.

    Ages 11 - 16 years old.

  4. MIX’Zine— Mix’Zine is a connected community for young people interested in music, social media, music journalism, blogging and live events to be part of a team who will share new music and music opportunities with other young people.

    First Monday of the Month 4.30pm - 6.00pm at MAST Music Studio.

    Ages 13 - 25 years old.

Find out more about our Digital Native Artists Programme and the resources we have to offer, along with the music groups and opportunities available to young people on the Isle of Wight.

Ensembles, Music in the CommunityHannah BuckinghamDNA, Music Groups, Free
Music In The City 2024
Music In The City 2024

Southampton and Isle of Wight Music were delighted to be part of the Music in the City celebrations over the weekend of 28th and 29th September running a stage from King John's Palace at the Tudor House Museum on the afternoon of Saturday 28th September. 

Over four hours we were able to showcase the incredible talents of the city's young people including the hub rock bands and bands from Upper Shirley High School and Redbridge College and some of the brilliant artists from our Stage Door Rising Stars series. 

Along with the performances in Southampton's old town, hub bands and local young musicians were also taking part in the hugely popular open mic sessions run at The Old Chemist in Bitterne which was another excellent and busy night of performances by young people!

Nia Collins, Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Strategic Programme Manager:

"It has been so exciting for us to be able to give young people the opportunity to be part of this city-wide event and reach new audiences who have been blown away by the level of musical talent these students have shown this weekend!"

A huge thanks to all the music hub staff and parents, friends and families who supported this event, the Tudor House for hosting us in such an amazing venue and Music in the City.

Below is a 360 video and photographs from the event!

Music in Schools, Music in the Community, EnsemblesHannah BuckinghamPhoto Gallery, Southampton
YES Creative Beats: Have Fun with Samba Drumming - Free Course!

Are you looking to improve your confidence and communication skills? Join YES! Creative Beats on a Skills4Work programme and join our free 6 session beginners’ samba course!

 This is a very simple samba taster course with an emphasis on team building and communication for anyone 16+ living on the Isle of Wight, looking for work or to improve their employability skills.

In this course we aim to improve:

  • concentration

  • confidence

  • communication and listening skills

  • teamwork and leadership skills

In a fun, friendly and supportive environment!

Dates: Wednesday 18th September 2pm - 4pm for 6 weeks

Location: St Johns church hall, High Park Road, Ryde PO33 1BX (accessible venue with parking available)

For more information and to book your place, please email us: info@yes-creativebeats.co.uk or visit our facebook page via the button below.

Music in the CommunityHannah BuckinghamOpportunity, IOW
BSO: Young Associates Programme - Apply Now!

Are you an aspiring community music leader, who is keen to make a difference to people’s lives through the power of music? The BSO Young Associates scheme may offer just the experience you’re looking for…

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s Young Associates Programme is a 7-month paid opportunity for 18-26 year old musicians to gain practical training as a creative music leader in the South West.

Open to: Ages 18 – 26

Deadline: Monday 16 September, 5pm

Interview/Audition Dates: Tuesday 24 / Wednesday 25 September

Location: Poole, Dorset

More Details

We’re keen to hear from people who are aged 18-26 and from a background currently underrepresented in the UK’s arts work force including: musicians from lower income backgrounds; of global majority heritage; or, who identify as disabled, D/deaf, or neurodivergent.

The placement will give you paid experience, training and mentoring from some of the sector’s leading practitioners, and you’ll build a great network along the way.

No previous music leading experience is necessary, we’re looking for potential!

How to get involved

Applications are now open, with a deadline of Monday 16 September, 5pm.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview/audition on Tuesday 24 or Wednesday 25 September in Poole, Dorset.

This will involve an informal interview, a whole group music workshop, and a chance to meet other musicians. Travel expenses will be reimbursed if invited to attend.

Music in the CommunityHannah BuckinghamOpportunity, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Hub Partners
RCM Sparks: GALSI Brass and Percussion Course (opportunity for young female & non-binary musicians)

RCM Sparks are delighted to be working in partnership with GALSI (Gender and the Large Shiny Instruments) to deliver a brass and percussion course for young female and non-binary musicians this October half term.

During the course participants will be split into junior and senior ensembles for workshops, masterclasses, and performances led by the incredible GALSI team.

 

Open to: Ages 8 – 25

Standard: Grade 1 – Conservatoire level (Participants will be grouped according to grade)

Dates: 29 & 30 October 2024

Location: Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, SW7 2BS

Cost: £80.00 with free tickets available for those who are eligible*.

How to book: Book via the RCM website or register for a free pace here.

 

*Please visit the RCM Sparks page to check whether you are eligible for a free place.

 

If you have any questions about the course or learning and participation opportunities, please don’t hesitate to contact sparks@rcm.ac.uk for more information.

Music in the CommunityHannah BuckinghamOpportunity
Ensemble Review 2024
Ensemble Review 2024

Looking back at our Ensembles’ achievements this year!

It has been an incredible year for our 13 ensembles with so many highlights. To name a few:

Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia starting their community project – Make Some Noise.

Southampton Youth Brass band getting out and about performing at fairs and bandstands across the local area.

Southampton Youth Wind Band and their incredible achievement being invited to perform at the Music for Youth National Festival.

Southampton Youth Orchestra about to take part in the Fulltone festival.

Studio Band giving such an incredible performance at the Concorde Club back in June.

However, our top tier groups couldn’t give such amazing performances without the foundation work that is done in our initial and mid tier groups.

Huge congratulations to all our ensemble players on all their achievements this year. We are looking forward to what next year will bring.

“There is so much musical talent in the young people of Southampton. Their performances

have been of such an incredible standard this year. We are so proud of all their

achievements”

- Zoe Hunting (Manager, Designated Safeguarding Lead at Southampton Music Services)

Ensembles, Music in the CommunityHannah BuckinghamSouthampton
Coastal Collective Presents: Summer Retreat - Sunday 7 July
Coastal Collective Presents: Summer Retreat - Sunday 7 July

Join improvising group Coastal Collective for an evening of improvised music in a beautiful heritage venue

Coastal Collective are delighted to share with you their upcoming performance of “Summer Retreat” which will be performance at St John The Evangelist in Northington, next Sunday 7th July at 5.30 pm.

This family-friendly performance showcases the work of Coastal Collectives latest EP and will immerse you in a world of music in this heritage venue. We welcome anyone who loves music and wants to hear how improvisation can take all sorts of twists and turns.

Featuring:

@neilvalentinemusic - composer/director
@mattbrombley - electronics
@studiobrewdio - guitars
@jamesashdown - drums
@anna_durance - cor anglais
@jamesgtrumpet - trumpet
@chrisnicholsuk - violin
Alison Hughes - clarinets

@coastalcollectivemusicuk

Music in the CommunityHannah BuckinghamCoastal Collective
Opportunity For Young Classical Musicians: BLiM's Classically Black
Opportunity For Young Classical Musicians: BLiM's Classically Black

BLiM is currently looking for emerging classical musicians who would like to perform at our upcoming Classically Black event at the prestigious Kings Place in London on October 19th!

Black Lives In Music is thrilled to announce an unmissable performance opportunity for emerging classical musicians from underrepresented backgrounds. As part of our groundbreaking event, Classically Black, we are calling all young and emerging talents to showcase their skills and passion in a vibrant, inspiring setting.

This is your chance to perform in front of a diverse audience, including industry professionals from Warner Music Group, at the prestigious Kings Place in London on October 19, 2024.

Who Can Apply?

We are looking for classical musicians and composers who are early in their careers and eager to make a mark in the music industry. If you are from a black or global majority background, have a fresh voice, and possess a unique musical style that deserves a spotlight, we want to hear from you! We are open to applications from individuals or ensembles of up to five members.

Application Opening: 31 May, 2024  

Application Deadline: 17 July, 2024

For more details on how to apply and get tickets to the event, click the button below.

Music in the CommunityHannah BuckinghamOpportunities, Black Lives in Music
Share the Joy of Live Music | Turner Sims Summer Festival & Family Day. 28-30 June
Share the Joy of Live Music | Turner Sims Summer Festival & Family Day. 28-30 June

Turner Sims Summer Festival - 28-30 June 2024

Turner Sims Summer Festival is back! Extraordinary artists from both near and far are ready to fill our beloved venue and the gardens beyond with incredible live music. 

Join us for a 3-day Summer Festival, Friday 28 - Sunday 30 June at Highfield Campus. Bring a picnic to enjoy before the performances, or take advantage of some amazing food stalls out in the gardens.

 

Summer Family Day – co-designed with pupils from Bassett Green Primary School - Sunday 30 June 2024

Join us at Turner Sims Southampton on Sunday 30 June for a day of magical musical activities and events for children and grown-ups of all ages.

Get the whole family involved with workshops, music, dance, craft – and of course the chance to make LOTS of noise. Bring your picnic lunch to enjoy in the gardens, get your face painted – a perfect day out!

Music in the CommunityHannah BuckinghamTurner Sims
An Audience With... Sam Lee
An Audience With... Sam Lee

Next up in our series of An Audience With… is FolkActive Youth Ensemble’s interview with Mercury Prize nominated singer, performer and writer Sam Lee.

An Audience With… is an interactive youth led experience for schools, allowing children and young people to take the lead on planning and creating content and an opportunity to interact and interview music industry professionals and performers. This project has been made in partnership with Turner Sims.

It is a fantastic vehicle for bringing the music industry into the classroom, inspiring pupils to work within our industry and developing aspirations for the future. This project has been specifically created to support teachers and young people to understand more about the many roles and pathways into the music industry.

Sam Lee is a Mercury Prize nominated Singer, Performer and Writer. As a song collector and conservationist, his music has its roots in traditional folk song but his inventive and original sound breaks the boundaries between folk and contemporary music. He is a founding member of Music Declares Emergency, a group that stand together to declare a climate and ecological emergency.

Ensembles, Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityHannah BuckinghamAn Audience With, Training and Resources
An Audience With... Camilla George & Carducci Quartet

Across 2024 we are releasing An Audience With… a series of youth-led video interviews with music industry professionals. The first two interviews with musicians and performers Camilla George and Carducci Quartet are both live on our YouTube channel. More will be released throughout the year.

An Audience With… is an interactive youth led experience for schools, allowing children and young people to take the lead on planning and creating content and an opportunity to interact and interview music industry professionals and performers. This project has been made in partnership with Turner Sims.

It is a fantastic vehicle for bringing the music industry into the classroom, inspiring pupils to work within our industry and developing aspirations for the future. This project has been specifically created to support teachers and young people to understand more about the many roles and pathways into the music industry.

Camilla George is a visionary saxophonist, composer, bandleader and innovator. She answers questions about working in the music industry from Southampton Music Hub's next generation of jazz musicians. Camilla's strong cultural roots and love of fusing African and Western Music has informed her own unique style. Her music is a hypnotising blend of Afrofuturism, hip hop and jazz. 

Carducci Quartet is an award-winning string quartet, internationally acclaimed as one of the most accomplished and versatile ensembles of today. Young musicians from Elgar Strings get their questions answered by professional musicians from the world renowned Carducci String Quartet.

Music in Schools, Music in the Community, EnsemblesHannah BuckinghamAn Audience With, Training and Resources
Schools Christmas Concert at O2 Guildhall Southampton
Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityHannah BuckinghamPhoto Gallery
Young people perform and share their perspectives at Music Mark Conference

On Tuesday 28 November 2023, four young people from Southampton took to the main stage in the ballroom at the Ageas Bowl to share music and a presentation at the national Music Mark Conference for music educators.

Lorenza opened the conference with a performance of an original song she wrote and produced, and was followed by rapper Tommy T.

To explore the theme of “Who’s music education is it anyway?” Lorenza was joined by Carla and Sukhi in a panel discussion with Matt Brombley (Development and Inclusion Manager for Southampton and IOW Music Hub) and Sarah Mcwyatt (NYMAZ). The presentation also included a special video appearance from Ben (a young music journalist from NYMAZ) who answered questions from Carla.

The panel got to explore a range of themes, including:

  • the importance of giving young people more choice

  • making music education more relevant, reflective and representative

  • empowering young people with a wide range of skills and experiences

The session was part of our Youth Voice Network project, kindly funded by Youth Music.

Later on in the day, Nia Collins (Southampton and IOW Music Hub) and rap artist Rob Bradley also go to share the impact of the Rap and Literacy project, kindly funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation. Alongside a panel of other innovative rap and hip hop initiatives such as Spit Game, Future Music Makers and Kenny Baraka a discussion about the importance of relevency and authenticity in the music curriculum and as a progression pathway for young people is so important.

Music in the Community, Music in SchoolsMatt BrombleyYouth Voice, Music Mark, Photo Gallery