Posts in Music in the Community
Southampton Music Hub celebrates the end of the year at Southampton Mela
Southampton Music Hub celebrates the end of the year at Southampton Mela

On Saturday 16 July Southampton Music Hub brought performances and workshops to Southampton Mela as part of Art Asia’s vibrant celebration of the city’s cultures and creativity.

With performances from Southampton Youth Wind Band, Harmony Junction, and FLOW rap workshops from the DNA Team, the Mela was a celebration of many of the themes of the year at Southampton Music Hub.

Live Music is BACK

Southampton Youth Wind Band played a phenomenal set at the Mela, and they are just one of the hub’s many groups, bands and orchestras who have enjoyed performing live music this year. Since last September, the city and it’s young people have seen an exciting return of live music. We’ve seen performances for schools, at MAST and the community. We’ve seen performances from young people often alongside and supported by incredible established artists and groups, including rappers, orchestras and more.

Co-creation and Partnership

Harmony Junction was a co-created by Southampton Music Hub and Art Asia and is a great example of the way Southampton Music Hub works in partnership with others to help support diverse and authentic expressions of music and music education. From our Paul Hamlyn Foundation funded Rap and Literacy project, to the Proud to Be events, to young people at the heart of the city’s cultural celebrations, this year has been all about partnership, and that will only continue to grow in the future,

Young People Take The Lead

Our freestyle workshop, with freestyle rapper Tenchoo, at the Mela, is a great example of how this year young people have increasingly been taking the lead in shaping the music offer that is available to them. Our DNA programme includes support for young people to find their voice with songwriting and production, and then use that voice to help pick the programme of masterclasses, groups and workshops to help them flourish. Young people are having an increasing voice in shaping the future of music-making and learning in the city.

A Vibrant Local Ecosystem of Music Education

As Southampton Music Hub closes one year, and looks ahead to the next, its clear to see that music education in the city is about to take another huge step forward following the announcement of the new National Plan for Music Education. Part Southampton' Music Hub’s response will be to grow and develop our support of the vibrant local ecosystem of music education which we saw on display at the Mela festival on Saturday. There is real excitement across the city — from schools, education settings, hub partners and beyond — to see music education in the city become more diverse, more inclusive and more accessible to all.

News highlights of the year:

Music in Schools, Music in the Community, EnsemblesMatt BrombleyArt Asia, Southampton Wind Band (SWB), DNA
From IOW: Isle of Wight Schools perform at Rhythm Tree Festival
From IOW: Isle of Wight Schools perform at Rhythm Tree Festival

Isle of Wight Music Hub are delighted to have been able to programme 6 hours on the Carnivale Stage at Rhythm Tree again after a three year haitus.  The Hub worked in partnership with the Rhythm Tree Festival organisers, Shademakers (who decorated and dressed the stage and area so spectacularly) and schools to allow them the opportunity to perform at an international festival!

Twelve schools and over 300 pupils took it in turns to perform with everything from ukuleles, glockenspiels, djembes and traditional rock bands represented and pupils from Year 3 up to Year 11.  The festival organisers and production team Widget built a custom ramp onto the stage to ensure that pupils from St George’s School were able to access the event and perform too.  Young people performed to a fantastic audience made up of enthusiastic parents and festival goers who braved hotter than 30 degree temperatures at the new Festival site at Sticelett Farm.

Nia Collins, IOW Music Hub Lead said:

“It really was incredible to watch the depth and breadth of musical excellence happening across the island across all ages and abilities.  For the music Hub to have been able to give them the opportunity and a literal platform to do so along with our partners was an honour.  I hope that the young people that took part today will remember this experience for a very long time to come!”

Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyIOW, Photo Gallery
MAST Concert Series

Southampton Music Hub's summer concert season started on Friday 24 June with the Lower Tier Concert which included performances from Brassroots, Acorn Strings, Los Twangolitos, Twango, Bella and Soton Voce, and Boom. This performance gave some of the city's younger performers the opportunity to showcase their incredible talents. This was a wonderful varied evening of music making from the beautiful soothing sounds of the guitar groups through to the energy and drama of the percussion group Boom.

"It has been a wonderful concert with such a variety of music. This concert provides a great experience for our younger groups to to perform to a wider audience" — Zoe Hunting

Monday 27 June saw the start of the hub's week long residency at MAST. Elgar Strings started the week off with a varied programme of dance music as well as some familiar repertoire.

"I was so impressed with how the players of Elgar strings coped with playing at such a prestigious venue. Many would have been completely fazed but not Elgar who buckled down and played to the best of their ability with great character and enthusiasm. I am so proud of what they have achieved this year." — Zoe Hunting, Director, Elgar Strings

The second night at MAST brought Airplay and Fusion Brass together - or as they are now known - Fab Band. With lots of numbers from shows and musicals the groups soon had the audience tapping their feet along to the numbers. This was concert saw the first presentation of the Steph Watkins Cup. Steph started Airplay over 15 years ago. Under her leadership the band got the reputation of performing to a level well beyond their years. Unfortunately Steph lost her battle with battle last year and we were delighted her family have presented Airplay with this cup in Steph's memory which will be awarded annually to an outstanding player from the band. We were very touched that Steph's husband and family were able to join us for this performance.

Wednesday evening at MAST brough a complete change of mood with the hubs two rock bands, Groove Foundation and Groove Merchant performing some rock classics. They were also joined by the Guitar ensemble from Upper Shirley High. Many players in this latter group only started learning the guitar in September it was incredible to hear what they have achieved in such a short time. We were also delighted to welcome Carol Cunio to this concert. A former mayor of Southampton Carol presented the Music Services with a cup to be awarded annually to an outstanding young musician. This year's very worthy recipient was the drummer from Groove Foundation, Joseph Orford.

The week-long performance residency at MAST continued on Thursday 30 July with a stunning concert given by Southampton Youth Wind Band conducted by John Hanchett. John only took the band over in January following the retirement of David and Elaine King after 37 years at the helm. It was delightful to the hear the band still performing to an incredibly high level and displaying a range of techniques through a varied programme of traditional wind band music to more popular well known numbers. Part of the programme included a performance of the incredibly complex Jubilee Overture as performed by the Royal Marines Band at the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. With lots of plans for the future - including a tour to Montacatini in July 2023 this is a band going places.

Friday evening was a very different event with Hub partners, FolkActive's Youth Ensemble - FAYE - taking to the stage. Players took the audience through a range of traditional tunes from reels to airs. Some were played by the whole band others by solo instrumentalists. Throughout the group performed from memory. It is quite an undertaking for such young players to perform a whole concert without a single note written down. Audience participation was encouraged by one of the group's leaders Tom Gregory, who literally got everyone dancing in the aisles.

Southampton Youth Brass Band performed at MAST Mayflower theatre in Studio 2 on Saturday 2 July as their final concert of this academic year. Under the direction of new band director Andy Wareham, they played a fantastically wide ranging programme including everything from Shostakovich to classic brass band repertoire with plenty of entertaining pieces and a wonderfully enthusiastic audience of friends and family. Whilst the MAST residency came to an end on 2 July, Southampton Music Hub Concerts continued.

Monday 4 July saw the guitar groups Los Twangolitos and Twango give a "picnic" concert in the courtyard at Cantell School. It had been hoped this would be a relaxing evening of musical entertainment on a warm and sunny evening, The music certainly did it's job with beautiful performances from the groups and individuals throughout. Alas the weather didn't oblige with audience members huddled in cardigans and jackets to keep warm against a strong breeze. Not for one note though did this effect the quality of playing.

Tuesday 5 July saw Fusion Brass give a joint concert with Ocean Brass. With both groups affected by absences due to Covid the show went on. Fusion Brass players were clearly excited and inspired by hearing local amateur band Ocean Brass in concert. Most importantly they were able to hold their own in a joint concert of this quality receiving rapturous applause from the audience and fellow brass players alike.

Ensembles, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyBrassroots, Acorn Strings, Los Twangolitos, Twango, Bella Voce, Southampton Boom, Elgar, Airplay, Fusion Brass, Groove Merchant, Groove Foundation, Photo Gallery
Inclusive music-making with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

On Sunday 26 June Southampton Music Hub was, once again, joined by members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for a fantastic afternoon of music making.

An inclusive ensemble was put together specially for this workshop consisting of children that are currently members of an ensemble as well as children that are learning an instrument or sing but have never played in an ensemble before. All were welcome, from beginners to the more experienced players. 

One of the performers said:

“I was so nervous when I got here. I didn't know anyone and it was so noisy when I walked in. I made lots of new friends this afternoon and it was so great to play with other people.' Another added 'I really didn't think I could play as I didn't understand the music. but by the end of the afternoon I was totally joining in. It makes me very proud.”

The group of 60 children were taught the new Southampton anthem for the Women's Euros — it's first ever playing!  You can listen to the final performance of it below. 

This isn't the final time that it will be played though. The Royal Philharmonic will be returning to Southampton on Friday 15 July for the fan party in Palmerston Park. Once again we will be welcoming schools and players to work with the RPO to deliver some inspiring performances of the Southampton Euro Anthem! Do join us if you can.

Music in the Community, EnsemblesMatt BrombleySouthampton, Photo Gallery
From the IOW: "Biosphere Big Sing" is a big hit
From the IOW: "Biosphere Big Sing" is a big hit

On Friday 20 May one of the biggest ever Isle of Wight Music Hub events was staged, in partnership with Shademakers, the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, English Heritage and Brown’s Golf Course.

Over 900 pupils from nine schools came together for the final Biosphere Big Sing event following weeks of workshops and rehearsals which involved thousands of children of all ages. The event itself took place on Brown’s Golf Course in Sandown and beautiful flags and set dressing were provided by IOW international carnival company Shademakers.

Over 250 members of an impromptu audience made up of parents, locals and councillors were treated to songs about the island’s unique Unesco Biosphere Reserve status. Songs were especially written for the project by Hub composer Jo Downs. The catchy Cheer for the Biosphere featured lyrics listing the island’s incredible biodiversity and heritage and Protect Our Island used the 15 UN sustainability goals as it’s inspiration.

The project celebrated the Isle of Wight AONB team’s incredible success in garnering Unesco Biosphere Reserve Status and as part of this project they went into schools to do assemblies to make the young people aware of what that means with a call to action to ensure we look after it in the future!

One young performer says:

“this event just shows how important it is to solve problems together.”

 

Richard Grogan from the AONB adds:

“The island is in your hands, you are the future.”

 

Nia Collins, IOW Hub Lead says:

“What has been so incredible about this project is the level of collaboration between IOW organisations from English Heritage running free workshops on an environmental theme at Osborne House, the AONB getting out of their comfort zone and into the classroom(!) to spread the word of Biosphere to Shademakers and Brown’s providing us with the perfect setting. Alongside that the schools, teachers and pupils that have engaged with the project and taken on board the themes and resources and will continue to make use of them in the future. This enriched offer to our schools has really helped to make this project something larger, with a lasting legacy and certainly a day we won’t all forget in a hurry!”

Music in the Community, Music in SchoolsMatt BrombleyPhoto Gallery, IOW
From the IOW: Jubilee Celebrations at Osbourne House
From the IOW: Jubilee Celebrations at Osbourne House

On Tuesday 7 June schools and young people from across the Isle of Wight came together at Osborne House for an outdoor concert celebrating the Platinum Jubilee. A wonderfully wide-ranging programme included rock bands from secondary schools, primary choirs, the Isle of Wight Music Centre ensembles and soloists performing in the carriage ring outside the main house while spectators sat on the Durbar lawn having their picnics.

In the run up to this project the Isle of Wight Music Hub worked with many primary schools and the home learning network to teach our specially commissioned Jubilee Song It’s The Platinum Jubilee composed by Jo Downs. The concert closed with a massed sung performance of this song with 100s of students from primary schools represented singing together in this appropriately Royal setting.

This event was organised by the IOW Music Hub and the Education team at English Heritage with sound a production support from IOW based production company Widget.

Nia Collins, IOW Hub Lead says:

“Well I think we can safely say that the future of music on the island is in good hands! We have seen such an incredible array of musical talent on display this evening and there’s something very special about being able to do this in such a magical and historically significant setting as Osborne House”

Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyIOW, Photo Gallery
Young performers help celebrate Platinum Jubilee
Young performers help celebrate Platinum Jubilee

On Sunday 6 June young performers from 13 different schools in Southampton came together for a special performance at the Big Platinum Festival in Mayflower Park. They opened the festival to an audience of thousands with a rousing rendition of the hub's own Jubilee song, 'It's Our Jubilee' written by Jo Downs. They then drummed along with Forever Queen to the ever popular 'We Will Rock You'.

Kath Page, Hub Manager, says:

“We are thrilled to be a part of the Jubilee celebrations. This is a brand new festival choir that has been put together specially for this event, but thousands of children have been involved in singing the jubilee song in the run up to the Platinum Jubilee as part of our own Jubilee Celebrations. Huge congratulations to Unity Radio for putting together such a great party!”

One of the young performers says:

“ I can't believe there are so many people here!! It's a bit scary, but I'm so excited to be singing and to have made new friends with people. I'm going to carry on singing after this!”

Music in Schools, Music in the Community, EnsemblesMatt BrombleyEverybody Sing
Young folk musicians wow audiences at MayFest
Young folk musicians wow audiences at MayFest

On Saturday 21 May, young musicians from the FolkActive Youth Ensemble (FAYE) wowed audiences in St. Lawrence's Church with two gigs as part of the Winchester MayFest. They performed the entire set from memory, which included some smaller group performances and step dancing, led by the wonderful Jo Harmer.

In between gigs the ensemble got to enjoy the sights and sounds of MayFest, where the streets of Winchester are alive with different types of morris dance, sword dancing, clog dancing and Appalachian dancing.

Ensemble director Chris Nichols says:

“FAYE performed superbly on Saturday. Their joy and enthusiasm in both sets was infectious, and they left both audiences smiling and wanting more. I can't wait to get stuck into our final two sessions in preparation for the showcase gig in July.”

Music in the Community, EnsemblesMatt BrombleyHub Partners
Festival Choir helps wish MAST a happy first birthday
Festival Choir helps wish MAST a happy first birthday

On Sunday 22 May the newly formed Music Hub Festival Choir performed at MAST Mayflower Studios’ big birthday bash. The choir performed  'It's Our Jubilee' , the hubs newly commissioned song to celebrate the queen's jubilee. 

The choir was formed of community members and representatives from 14 schools across the city. 

Composer Jo Downs, who also sang in the choir says:

“It was wonderful to see my song coming to life. I loved the inclusion of signing in the performance and I was blown away by the standard of singing after two rehearsals.”

Akindu, one of the singers, says:

“It was really good fun to sing at the concert. I really liked the jubilee song.”

Family Music, Music in the Community, Music in Schools, EnsemblesMatt BrombleyEverybody Sing, 10 Minute Sign & Sing
Free tools to help you make and promote your music
Free tools to help you make and promote your music

Want to make, share and promote your own music? Our new Music Studio team have put together a set of tools to help.

If we’re missing something from our list, or you have ideas for making it better, let us know!

Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyDNA
Concert Review: Southampton Youth Brass Band and Southampton Youth Wind

Southampton Youth Brass Band (SYBB) and Southampton Youth Wind Band (SYWB) joined forces at Bitterne Park School for their first concert together in over three years. The programme started with a rendition of the Ukrainian national anthem and the audience were entertained with band repertoire from Glenn Miller to film music from Gladiator, and a poignant moment was Prayer for Ukraine performed by SYWB.

“It's my first term in the wind band and it's been a great experience. I love the music we are doing, and I'm very excited to perform in front of a live audience".” - Josh

John Hanchett, Director of SYWB says:

“It's great to bring two of our top tier ensembles together and see them enjoying live performances again. I'm very proud and excited to share the bands progress and what will they accomplish in the future.”

Ensembles, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleySouthampton Wind Band (SWB), Southampton Youth Brass Band (SYBB)
Exciting workshops and awards for young guitarists in Southampton
Exciting workshops and awards for young guitarists in Southampton

On Saturday 2 April 2022, Southampton Music Hub welcomed Helen Sanderson to the city for a guitar workshop. Helen is an international performer, educator, arranger and composer as well as Head of Guitar Performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Zoe Hunting, Music Service Manager, says:

“It was such a privilege to be able to welcome Helen to Southampton and an amazing opportunity for the young guitar players to work with her as well as hear her play. After taking the players through a range of warm up activities Helen carefully guided the players through 2 compositions before giving a final performance to family and friends.”

A young participant in the workshop adds:

"Helen's playing was so smooth and beautiful."

Award Success

Christiane Charlton, guitar teacher, says:

"The young guitarists of Twango and Los Twangolitos had a very exciting term with several opportunities to show off their skills: They played “The Mini Beasts Suite,” music especially written for them. The suite is made up of four dances, each dedicated to an endangered creature living in our gardens. The adjudicator, well known composer and guitarist Vincent Lindsey-Clark, liked the performance and gave the John Dowland Cup to Twango for this year.

Among the many wonderfully talented soloists performing on the day, one of Twango’s  guitarists, Andrei Golovatti, came first in his category!”

Andrei Golavatii with his reacher Christiane Charlton after winning his guitar class at the Southampton Festival of Music and Drama

Music in the CommunityMatt Brombley
Southampton Music Hub, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Culture Programme
Southampton Music Hub, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Culture Programme

Southampton Music Hub was delighted to partner with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Culture Programme. 

In partnership with the  Football Association, the Women’s EURO 2022 Culture Programme, will engage fans in a range of musical opportunities and public events celebrating the history, ethos and future of women’s football.  Southampton is one of ten local authorities across England that will host a vibrant arts programme as part of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 in England this summer – part of an exciting national cultural programme supported by £800,000 funding from Arts Council England, thanks to National Lottery players.

Eight workshops were held across Southampton with a local composer and RPO musicians to create a bespoke Southampton anthem celebrating our local area and women’s football heritage. Workshops took place with a wide range of residents, from a library rhyme time to intergenerational choirs and several schools pupils and their parents. Using musical activities and games, workshops drew out ideas, lyrics and musical themes that will culminate in a new song performed by and for local audiences in match day Fan Zones accompanied by RPO musicians.  In total over 500 people contributed their ideas and inspiration. Like the Women’s EURO 2022 Tournament Anthem, resources and recordings will be made available free source to all fans wishing to learn, perform or use these celebratory songs. 

Workshop participant Glenda said, ' We were thrilled that we were joined by a past member of Southampton's 1972 cup final winning team. The footballers won the respect of the whole room and the professional musicians’ skills inspired us all. You never know what surprises can come about from a collaboration between music and sport.’.

Lisa Rodio, Director of Community and Education with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra says:

“The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra are delighted to be working with Southampton Council and Southampton Music Hub on this exciting project, engaging so many Southampton residents with music and football. The new anthem for Southampton will be a celebration of the area made with and for local people, and we can’t wait for everyone to hear, learn and join us in performing it this summer when the UEFA Women’s EURO comes to town.”

More to come on this exciting project!

Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyHub Partners
Concert Review: Airplay and Boom at MAST Mayflower Studios
Concert Review: Airplay and Boom at MAST Mayflower Studios

Thursday 31 March 2022 was a big evening for members of Boom and Airplay, performing at MAST Mayflower Studios. For many of these young performers it was their first concert in such a big venue.

“I was really excited to do my first concert with Airplay. I was a bit nervous but the nerves went away as soon as we performed our first piece.” - Poppy, a new member of Airplay

The ensembles joined forces for one number, the first time they had been able to play together and the concert finished with a rousing performance of Star Wars by Airplay.

Tom Gregory, director of Boom says:

“hey performed brilliantly, what a fantastic first performance. I'm really proud of them.”

Ensembles, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleySouthampton Boom, Airplay
Sell out show for Southampton musicians at MAST Mayflower Studios
Sell out show for Southampton musicians at MAST Mayflower Studios

On Monday 28 March, Studio Two in MAST Mayflower Studios was treated to a fabulous diverse concert, featuring performances from Bella and Soton Voce, Twango, Los Twangolitos, and Jazz Workshop. The performance included a special arrangement of a Ukrainian Folk Song as performers stood united with Ukraine.

For many of the performers, this was their first concert experience and they played to a sold out audience of supportive friends and family.

Nia Collins, Director for Soton Voce, says:

“What a delight the evening was with such a fantastically eclectic programme which both participants and audience enjoyed!

Alex, a young musician on the night, says:

“It made me really proud to perform on stage. It was really good fun performing in front of people and the crowd went wild. I really enjoy it and love playing with other people. I love having friends outside school.”

Ensembles, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleySoton Voce, Los Twangolitos, Twango, Jazz Workshop
Playing music without music: Southampton's Young Musicians get creative with London Sinfonietta
Playing music without music: Southampton's Young Musicians get creative with London Sinfonietta

On Saturday 12 February 2022, 37 young musicians from Southampton Youth Strings (SYS) and Southampton Youth Wind Band (SYWB) took part in a workshop day led by London Sinfonietta. Participants worked on a creative piece and another contemporary piece and it was a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the country's leading performers on a repertoire written by living composers.

John Hanchett, director of SYWB, says:

“its been a great day allowing the participants to explore a new style of music that gives them freedom away from the constraints of the written music.”

Patrick from London Sinfonietta says:

“All the performers made huge progress on two pieces, one about rhythm and one about sustaining a beautiful sound. They got used to extreme ideas quickly and embraced the challenge. They gave a musical performance to an enthusiastic audience.”

Sophie, a member of SYWB, says:

“Who knew you could play music without music!'

Ellen, a young musician from the day, added:

“It is different from anything I've ever done before. It was really nice to play something in a different genre, and it wasn't possible to get it wrong!”

Ensembles, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleySouthampton Youth Strings (SYS), Southampton Wind Band (SWB)
Young Musicians from Southampton to learn and perform alongside the London Sinfonietta

On Saturday 12 February Southampton Music Hub will welcome composer, conductor and presenter Patrick Bailey and players from the London Sinfonietta to work with players from Southampton Youth Strings and Southampton Youth Wind Band.

During the day Southampton's young musicians will work on on two contemporary pieces: developing modern technical skills, being involved in the creative process of developing a new piece of music, as well as taking part in sectionals with players from London Sinfonietta.

The day will end with a free public performance, 3.30 - 4.00 at Woodlands Community College, Minstead Avenue, Southampton, SO18 5FW.

Music in the Community, Music in Schools, EnsemblesMatt BrombleySouthampton Youth Strings (SYS), Southampton Wind Band (SWB)
New term brings an exciting new programme of music for Southampton Schools

With the new Spring Term, Southampton Music Hub is offering all schools in the city the opportunity to be take part in a huge, diverse range of music workshops, performances and experiences.

Alongside exciting new offers from the Everybody Sing and Digital Native Artists (DNA) programmes, this term’s offer includes:

  • Taking part in the hub’s MAST Theatre Residency

  • A concert for Key Stage 1 with Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia (SYCS)

  • Proud to Be, History of Hip Hop

And loads more!

Music in Schools, Music in the Community, EnsemblesMatt BrombleyHub Partners, MAST
Looking back on 2021

At the end of 2021, Southampton Music Hub’s Development Manager, Matt Brombley, looks back on the year past, to reflect on some of the most memorable moments and themes of the year.


“Back in July, we wrote about how, above all else, it was the resilience of the city’s young musicians, and the adults who support them, that shone through as the defining theme of the year so far. 


Now, in December, it is even more true than ever. 


Showing creativity and flexibility in the face of incredible challenges has had big rewards for us this year.  


Thanks to Paul Hamlyn Foundation, £65,000 is helping develop literacy in three city schools using rap and hip hop in an exciting new pilot project.


Thanks to funding from Youth Music, Southampton and IOW Music Hubs are working together with Dorset, Portsmouth as well as SoundStorm Music Hubs to help young people shape and lead new music-making opportunities.


The digital resources from Sign & Sing have continued to find new audiences, and support schools to keep singing in an inspiring and inclusive way, with over 4,000 views just in the last month!


Songwriting and music production continues to be a big hit with young people, and is helping them with their mental health, as well as helping to shape the future of music-making in the city.

Innovative programmes, working closely with schools and alternative provision settings, have seen more young musicians taking part in music, including a 28% increase in Looked After Children, a 44% increase in pupil premium children, and an 88% increase in young people with Special Educational Needs.


Finally, after a start to the year which once again saw live music shut down, we have seen live music bouncing back, and since September over 3000 children have taken part in live music-making in schools, and over 400 young people have taken part in 16 ensemble performances.”


Kath Page, Hub Manager, adds

“We’ve been through an incredibly challenging two years, but every part of our music hub has responded to these challenges with resilience, creativity and innovation, helping to make sure we make progress towards our goal: that every young person has access to the life-changing power of music, whatever their background or circumstances.”

Ensembles, Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt Brombley
Music Services team trained in trauma-informed practice

On Wednesday 15 December the Southampton Music Services team took part in ‘trauma-informed practice” training with Rock Pool.

The session helped the team to understand what trauma is, how it can impact children and young people, and how they can adapt their music lessons in a trauma-informed way.

Matt Brombley, Development Manager, says:

“Today has been another important step on our journey to becoming a more inclusive music service, leading a more inclusive music hub. We have spent time thinking about how music lessons can be a place where young people develop inner strengths which help them become better musicians, but also, which can spill over into other areas of their lives.”

Music in Schools, Music in the CommunityMatt BrombleyInstrumental and Vocal Tuition, Inclusion