Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are offering a FREE training weekend for aspiring community musicians at Portsmouth Guildhall on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March 2025.

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 BSO Associates Hugh Nankivell and Neil Valentine. 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.

Cost: Free to participate. Travel costs will be reimbursed and a hotel for Saturday night for those who aren’t local can be reimbursed on discussion. BSO will be able to recommend hotels.

Who is it for: This opportunity is aimed at musicians and creatives who are emerging in the field. This could be between the ages of 18-30 but we acknowledge this could also be for anyone looking to retrain or wanting further CPD e.g. music teachers or freelance supporting musicians who frequently work in community music sessions or workshops.

When is it: Saturday 22 March (11.00am - 4:30pm) and Sunday 23 March (10am - 1pm).

Where is it: Both days will be at Portsmouth Guildhall.

How to book: There is a maximum of 25 spaces and the deadline to book by is Friday 7 March 12pm. Book via the BOOK NOW button.

If you can’t attend this weekend, but are interested in further training days, please send BSO your email address to go on the mailing list.

Put this next date in your diary: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May in Bristol.

BSO: Creavtive and Community Music Leader Training

FREE creative weekend for aspiring community musicians at Portsmouth Guildhall, Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 March.

Deadline to book: 7 March 12pm. Spaces limited.

Book Now

On 23 January 2025, at the iconic Portsmouth Guildhall, we had an inspiring day of exploration and collaboration at South Coast Music Partnership’s Music Education Conference.

This year's theme, Innovation: Driving Music Forward, invited 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.

“It was truly inspiring to see so many educators, practitioners, and music enthusiasts gathered to explore fresh ideas and transformative practices shaping the future of music education. From thought-provoking discussions to hands-on workshops, the day was packed with innovation, collaboration, and a shared passion for making music accessible and impactful for all.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us—your contributions and energy made for a fantastic conference. Together, we’re driving music forward and ensuring its place at the heart of education!”

- Portsmouth Music Hub

Below you can watch a video which gives you an insight into the day!

Island Music Makers have some wonderful opportunities for young people to learn and make music!

Sign ups are open for 2025. Find out more below and visit our Music Groups page for music groups run by the hub, our partner organisations and people we recommend!

Songwriters Den:

The Songwriters Den is a place for ​young people to come together and be supported to write songs, as part of a ​group and as individuals. No experience required.

Whether your child already plays an instrument or they’re looking to learn, or if ​they just enjoy creative writing - they should come along and meet some like ​minded creatives and start making music!

Who is it for: 8-16 yr olds

Where is it: Newport Congregational Church, Pyle Street

When is it: Wednesdays (during term time) from 4pm til 5pm (Oct to July)

What’s Involved?

• Support to write lyrics and share ideas

• Learn different song writing techniques and approaches

• Create chord progressions and compose music

• Explore instruments and live performance equipment

• Opportunities to perform songs at local festivals and community venues

• Option to work towards elements of GCSE and BTEC Music

PRICE: The first session is free! If they wish to continue after the first session, the ​cost is £28 per calendar month (paid by standing order from October to July).

The ​price covers the cost of resources as well as performances that take place ​outside the weekly club sessions.

*If your child is in receipt of support services or free school meals, you are ​entitled to a discount of 50% (£14 per calendar month). Please be sure to make a ​note of this on the form when you register your child. *

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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.

Find Out More

Creative Island is delighted to announce that the Isle of Wight has officially been awarded the prestigious EFFE Seal for its commitment to cultural festivals and recognised as a member of the European Festivals Association (EFA). This achievement celebrates the Island’s remarkable contribution to cultural and artistic excellence, elevating its vibrant festival scene to a global stage.

The EFFE Seal, a hallmark of quality for Europe’s most distinguished festivals, recognises creativity, cultural diversity, and meaningful community impact. This recognition highlights the extraordinary cultural richness and community spirit of the Isle of Wight’s festival sector. With events spanning a wide range of themes and sizes, the Island’s festivals have long been at the heart of its identity. Creative Island proudly applied for this distinction on behalf of the entire sector.

The Isle of Wight’s festivals not only offer a wide array of artistic and cultural experiences but also highlight the Island’s unique status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This achievement underscores the Island’s dedication to sustainability, heritage, and fostering meaningful connections through culture.

Creative Island is honoured to represent the Isle of Wight in this global network and looks forward to building on this success to promote the Island as a beacon for cultural innovation and collaboration.

Creative Island is the Cultural Development Agency for the Isle of Wight, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for everyone on the Island. The organisation focuses on making the best use of existing resources, nurturing talent, fostering collaboration between the Island’s heritage and creative sectors, and attracting new investment to support cultural development.

Creative Island is also committed to encouraging generosity, building connections with other Island communities worldwide that face similar challenges, and showcasing the Isle of Wight as a contemporary, vibrant collection of 33 parishes, nine towns, and one united Island.

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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.

Find Out More

Turner Sims is launching the second edition of Turn It Up, a development opportunity for local musicians. Turn up the volume on your project and prepare to perform at our summer festival.

Do you have a project idea you want to develop and present to new audiences live? Are you ready to develop your craft and boost your professional career? We will help you develop your project and provide a national platform for you to perform it.

You can find full details of this opportunity, along with other support, resources and CPD for Music Leaders, Peripatetic Teachers and Musicians on our Professional Development for Music Leaders page.

Online Briefing Sessions:

• Tuesday 21 January 10-10.30am 

• Tuesday 21 January 7-7.30pm 

Deadline to apply: Sunday 2 February 2025 

FIND OUT MORE AND Apply Now!

The selected artist will receive a tailored package to support their development and performance.

Find Out More

Returning for 2025! Our monthly Open Mic Night for talented musicians in the City.

Every first Tuesday of the month, young musicians in Southampton perform and share their music, across a wide variety of instruments, genres and styles. This open mic night returned on 7th January and will continue next month on Tuesday 4 February at 6-9pm!

We are delighted to continue partnering with The Stage Door and J Fashole-Luke to host these events.

Each night features a house band of local musicians with a wide variety of styles, genres and instruments who will host and support young people to participate. 

Dates for this year:

4th February 2025

4th March 2025

1st April 2025

6th May 2025

3rd June 2025

1st July 2025

Interested in taking part?

Find out all you need to know about the Open Mic Nights and sign up to perform as a young musician!

Find Out More

Southampton & Isle of Wight Music and Friends of the Southampton Youth Orchestras will present their annual Pyramid Concert on Saturday 1 February.

Featuring Southampton Youth Orchestra, Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia, Southampton Youth Strings & Elgar and special guests BOOM!

Come along and enjoy this special event at Central Hall!

The full poster, event listing and ticket booking details can be found below.

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Children from across Southampton have taken part in the workshops for the MAST christmas show this year! 

Students at Thornhill Primary School, Redbridge Primary School and Hightown Primary School have worked alongside Southampton & IoW Music and workshop leader Miko Lisiak to learn and record songs from The Wind in The Willows: Toad's BIG Musical Adventure. 

We are amazed that the students were able to learn, sing and record these songs all in less than an hour!

You can listen to the recordings below:

Our Christmas celebrations have continued in style over December.

On Friday 6 December, we joined University of Southampton Voices and their director Harvey Brough for The Bells of Paradise, a sparkling Christmas concert at Turner Sims concert hall. 

Children from Bassett Green Primary School and young singers from St Michael's Choir came together to perform a collection of carols and Christmas songs from around the world. 

We are so proud of our incredible young singers who performed brilliantly with a full adult choir in front of a packed audience. What a way to continue the festive period!

Join students and teachers from Platform One - College of Music to hear performances from bands, young people and learn lots about events, sound, music technology and jobs in the music industry.  This will be happening in April - July 2025.

Details of spaces available will come directly from Platform One to your settings so this is one to look out for!

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Are you ready to take the stage and showcase your talent?  Don’t miss your chance to be part of BandStorm 2025, the ultimate event for rising stars!

The stage is set for BandStorm 2025 – SoundStorm’s battle of the bands competition in partnership with Absolute Music and the The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth (Bournemouth Uni). A highlight of the SoundStorm calendar, our annual battle of the bands has brought to the stage a wonderful array of talented performers, bands and vocalists and we are excited to be announcing the details for this year’s BandStorm competition!

For the first time we open this competition to young people from across BCP , Dorset , Southampton, Portsmouth , Isle Of Wight and the surrounding area!

Deadline to apply: 13/12/24

Bring your sound, your energy, and your passion. This is YOUR moment!

Tag your bandmates and share the news! Let’s make some noise!

You must be Y9 – 13, at school, college or home educated.

Apply now (via the button below) and let the world hear what you’ve got!

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Our annual event Christmas at Osborne took place last week and featured 80 children from three primary schools: Broadlea, Carisbrooke & Newport CE.

The schools came together to take part in singing workshops, a tour of the house and some Victorian Christmas Crafts topped off by a fantastic performance in the Durbar Room where Queen Victoria would have enjoyed listening to her own children singing.  A beautifully decorated Osborne House was a stunning backdrop for the day along with the amazing staff and volunteers from English Heritage who helped the day to run smoothly.

In addition to this students from Carisbrooke College were invited to sing for guests on a tour of the house in the week prior.

“Just wanted to say a big thank you for today. The children had a wonderful time and they just beam after these experiences!”

- Emma Millard Music Lead at Broadlea Primary

Join Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia, Southampton's largest youth orchestra, for an evening of festive favourites from our most loved Christmas films, on Wednesday 11 December.

Programmes to include everything from Aladdin to White Christmas, along with wonderful festive lighting.  Fun for all the family - not to be missed!

Find full details and how to book tickets via the listing on our events page.

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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

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

• Monday 25 November: Elgar, Twango and Los Twangolitos live at Cantell! — Southampton Music Hub [Southampton]

• Thursday 28 November: Airplay & Boom! live at Cantell School! — Southampton Music Hub [Southampton]

• Saturday 30 November: BSO On Your Doorstep: Curious Creatures Family Concert — Southampton Music Hub [Isle of Wight]

  • Come and join 14 BSO musicians, a young Isle of Wight string group, and someone to guide you through the music – this relaxed performance is perfect for young audiences going to a concert for the first time.  The afternoon will involve some listening, some participatory elements, and you’ll be sure to experience a mixture of styles – from Bjork to Moana, as well as relaxing classics. Designed with families in mind, let the music take you from forests to oceans and explore the curious creatures of the natural world.

• Saturday 30 November: Gig Night — Southampton Music Hub [Southampton]

  • Southampton and IOW Music are proud to partner with the Gig Night Charity, providing young artists with a regular platform to perform and develop their music and confidence. Gig night runs monthly at the Old Chemist engaging young musicians from all over Southampton. SIOW Groove Bands, Groove Merchant and Groove Syndicate, feature in the lineup.

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!

• Thursday 5 December: Schools Christmas Concert at O2 Guildhall Southampton: featuring SYWB — Southampton Music Hub [Southampton]

  • Join us at Southampton Guildhall to continue the Southampton Schools Music Association of schools Christmas events at Southampton Guildhall this Christmas! Featuring music from Jo Downs new Christmas Songbook and narrative script, loosely based on the Nativity story. Southampton Youth Wind Band will also be performing in our Christmas Schools’ Celebration Concert.

• Friday 6 December: The University of Southampton Voices: The Bells of Paradise at Turner Sims — Southampton Music Hub [Southampton]

  • The University of Southampton Voices present a sparkling Christmas concert. The Bells of Paradise is a collection of carols and Christmas songs from around the world and through the ages. For this performance, USV are joined by children’s choirs from local schools, organised and supported by Southampton & Isle of Wight Music.

• Saturday 7 December: Southampton Youth Brass Band live at Exbury Gardens! — Southampton Music Hub [Southampton]

  • Southampton Youth Brass Band will be performing at Exbury Gardens.

• Monday 9 December: Pulse8 Open Rehearsal for Family & Friends! — Southampton Music Hub [Southampton]

  • Pulse8 will be having an ‘Open Rehearsal’ at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College. This is an opportunity for Family & Friends to watch our young members practise together. Parents & friends are welcome to attend the whole rehearsal.

• 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!

• Thursday 12 December: Southampton Youth Brass Band perform at Ocean Terminal! — Southampton Music Hub [Southampton]

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.

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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.