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

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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!

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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!

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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

On Sunday 23rd March, Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia warmly invite you to join at them Thornden Hall on an expedition through a varied and engaging programme!

Featuring music from:

The Prince of Egypt

Robert W Smith’s Into the Storm

The Jungle Book

Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia features around 80 of Southampton’s finest young musicians aged 11-18.

Tickets are available now, click the button to find out more.

SYCS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE

Sunday 23 March - Doors open: 2.30pm

Get Tickets

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Southampton Music Services present their annual Wind Band Pyramid concert on Saturday 1 March!

Featuring:

Southampton Youth Wind Band (John Hanchett)

Pulse8 (Charlotte Mann)

Airplay (Anna Robinson)

and Studio Band.

This will be an evening celebrating the fabulous young talented wind, brass and percussion musicians within Southampton. The bands will again be joined by Studio Band, who will bring their jazz flavour to the evenings concert!

Tickets are available now, click the button to find out more.

WINDBAND PYRAMID CONCERT

Saturday 1 March - 7pm at Thornden Hall

Get Tickets

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This year SIOW Music collaborated with Creative Island and IWCEP to support and deliver as part of a Creative Careers week.  Cross island 31 different cultural organisations and cross sector creatives delivered workshops across all ages/phases in 80% of schools on the island. 

The music hub delivered workshop sessions reaching 180 children and young musicians from year 3 – year 11 using our youth led An Audience With Resources to highlight roles within the industry.  The workshops required children and young people to design their own IOW Festival including branding, logos, ticket sales and identifying audiences and technical requirements learning about roles along the way. 

Alongside the music hub sessions IOW Music College Platform One toured schools with live performances from their FE and HE musicians, talking directly to children and young people and answering questions about jobs in the music industry (led by our IOWLAB chair Andy Booth).

In the run up to this the music hub also supported the development of a new IWCEP resource creating profiles for Island born and bred creatives living and working there.

Below you can see some of the creative ideas for IOW Festival made by young people!

Isle of Wight Cultural Education Partnership put together some great videos on their Instagram, sharing snippets of each day, including activities we led on Day Three.

You can view this by clicking ‘View this post on Instagram’ below.

“The music workshop was fantastic! It was so interactive and pitched at exactly the right level for the class. They thoroughly enjoyed designing their own music festival, which was a great way to get them thinking about all the different careers in the music industry. The class (and adults) LOVED it!” (Newchurch Primary Year 6 teacher feedback).

IOWCEP: Creative Careers Profiles

This bank of profiles was created to be used in your classroom as a resource to help pupils appreciate that living on the Isle of Wight doesn’t have to limit the possibilities open to them or their potential to achieve.

See the Profiles!

Music Festival Posters created by Young People.

Music Festival Posters created by Young People.

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A post shared by IWCEP (@iwcep_creativeisland)

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

🎺 Windband Pyramid Concert: Windband Pyramid Concert: featuring Studio Band — Southampton Music Hub

Saturday 1 March, 7.00pm

Thornden Hall, Winchester Rd, Chandler's Ford, SO53 2DW.

Southampton & IOW Music Services present their annual concert.

Featuring: Southampton Youth Wind Band, Pulse8, Airplay and Studio Band.

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

Tuesday 4 March, 6 - 9.00pm at The Stage Door, 78 West Marlands Road, SO14 7FW.

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

Featuring Local Young Musicians.

🎼 SYCS: A Musical Adventure: Southampton Youth Concert Sinfonia: A Musical Adventure! — Southampton Music Hub

Sunday 23 March. Doors open at 2.30pm, Concert starts at 3.00pm.

Thornden Hall, Winchester Rd, Chandler's Ford, S053 2DW.

@sotonyouthconcertsinfonia will perform music from:

The Prince of Egypt, Robert W Smith's Into the Storm and The Jungle Book!

🥁 Airplay, Elgar & Boom! perform at Cantell School: Airplay, Elgar & Boom! at Cantell — Southampton Music Hub

Thursday 27 March, 6.30 - 8.00pm.

Violet Rd, Southampton, S016 3GJ.

There will be a retiring collection.

🎷 Southampton Youth Brass Band: Southampton Youth Brass Band: Summer Concert! — Southampton Music Hub

Saturday 29 March, 7.00pm

Chandler's Ford Methodist Church, Winchester Road, Chandler's Ford, SO53 2GJ.

🎻 Pulse8 & Southampton Youth Strings: Pulse8 & Southampton Youth Strings joint concert at Cantell! — Southampton Music Hub

Monday 31 March, 7 - 8.45pm

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

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:

Life is a Highway

Mr. Blue Sky

People Are Strange

Somewhere in My Memory

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!