The ensembles of Southampton and Isle of Wight Music have once again been busy performing over the last half term. 

As always, the standard of playing is incredibly high.  It has been brilliant as well to see the directors finding new events for our groups to perform in and developing links with local community groups for joint performances.   For example Groove Syndicate and Groove Merchant taking part in the Bursfest in aid of HeartBeat back in February and the Southampton Youth Brass Band performed alongside Ocean Brass in March.

"The quality of performances given by Southampton's young musicians is always stunning.  Everyone at SIOW Music is incredibly proud of their achievements. Please do take a look at the SIOW Music events page - https://www.siowmusic.org/events - for what is coming up and come and join us for some brilliant music making by these amazing young people in the coming months."

- Zoe Hunting - SIOW Music Ensemble Manager

The National Youth Orchestra open applications for the Orchestra of 2026!

Playing in NYO is the greatest adventure teenagers can have through playing and sharing music. You’ll soar in your musical development. Perform on iconic stages. Master new music and new ideas. And play your part as an inspirational changemaker for other young people.

Imagine taking your seat in this cutting-edge orchestra, performing in amazing spaces, inspired by the awesome people around you and inspiring others too. It’s a challenge but we’ll support you every step of the way. It takes serious preparation but it’s seriously rewarding. 

As part of the Orchestra you’ll find a place to shape your world through music. You’ll soar in your musical development, discover new music and new ideas, and play your part as an inspirational role model for other young people.  

Applications for the Orchestra of 2026 are open. Apply by 19 May 9am. 

Join the Nyo

Find out full details and how to apply via the button below.

Find Out More

Young Sounds UK: Paid opportunity for 18-25 year old mentor 

We are recruiting for an 18-25 year old Mentor to support our Young Sounds UK Connect programme. 

About the Role 

Musical potential is everywhere but opportunity isn’t: financial and social obstacles too often get in the way. Connect aims to effect significant change in how the musical potential of young people from low-income families is identified and supported.

You will play a central role in supporting the Connector on the day-to-day planning and delivery of the Connect programme in your Hub. You will agree specific areas of work as per need and capacity. You will also be a highly visible contact for the families and young people accessing Connect which will help you to foster new mentoring relationships with the young people on the programme.  

The Commitment

Isle of Wight Mentor: 

• Hours of work: 2 hours per week x 35 weeks per year for general programme support. Individual mentoring sessions with young people are offered in addition to these core hours. Sessions will be for one hour and offered on a case-by-case basis.

Southampton Mentor:

• Hours of work: 2 hours per term x 3 terms per year for Get Together event support. Individual mentoring sessions with young people are offered in addition to these core hours. Sessions will be for one hour and offered on a case-by-case basis.

How to Apply

Please fill in the application form by following this link, by Wednesday 23 April at 12pm. https://forms.office.com/e/LtkZQqH9KJ

Interviews will take place either online or in person at the start of May. 

Download the full job description below. To find out more, get in touch with Frankie McCormick at frankie@siowmusic.org .  

Young Sounds UK - Connect Mentor

Download the full job description and person specification here.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Our partners Art Asia present: Tribute to Lata Mangeshkar, a concert by Karan Rana and Pooja Angra.

Brother and Sister duo Pooja and Karan will be paying tribute to the Nightingale of India – Swar Kokila Lata Mangeshkar. They will be performing timeless melodies spanning various genres from Lata Mangeshkar’s repertoire. Lata Mangeshkar’s legendary voice was the soundtrack for many generations of cinemagoers. Her contribution to the Indian music industry in a career spanning eight decades gained her honorific titles such as the “Queen of Melody” and “Voice of the Millennium”. The show promises to be a nostalgic trip for the fans of Lata Mangeshkar.

The concert will also feature high octane Sufi music tracks which are close to Pooja and Karan’s heart. Pooja and Karan will be joined by an outstanding team of musicians from London.

When is it: Friday 28 March 2025 at 7.00pm
Where is it: Mayflower Studios, 142-144 Above Bar Street, Southampton, SO14 7DU

View fullsize

Southampton and IOW Music are looking to appoint to the following positions for 1 year’s fixed term maternity cover for the academic year 2025-26.

Job Vacancies:

Connector – Young Sounds 1.5 days per week term time only (IOW)

Connector – Young Sounds 0.5 days per week term time only (Southampton)

Project and music education co-ordinator – 2 days per week term time only (Southampton)

How to apply:

Applications, in the format of CV and covering letter, to be emailed to graham.hesp@southampton.gov.uk by Friday 28th March (Southampton) & Friday 18th April (IOW) at 12pm.

If you wish to apply for more than one role then please send a separate covering letter for each.

Interviews to be held on Friday 2nd May.

Job descriptions and person specifications for the roles can be found below.

Furthering Talent Connect: Local Connector

Download the Job Description and Person Specification. This is the same for both Southampton and IOW roles.

Download / View here

Projects and Music eDUCATION cOORDINATOR

Download the Job Description and Person Specification.

Download / View Here

Aurora Classroom will be completely free to access from April 2025 as part of their 20th Anniversary Celebration!

Aurora Classroom offers top-quality music resources for primary schools and specialist SEND settings. Including fully planned 10-week units of work and the ability to build your own lessons from their library of hundreds of activities and audio excerpts. You can access all of this for FREE as of April 2025!

Online CPD: Introducing composition in the primary classroom:

Join Aurora for an interactive session exploring ways to introduce musical composition in the primary classroom. Click the button below.

Aurora Classroom Youtube:

Check out Aurora Classroom’s new yotube channel sharing classroom resources for YFS, KS1 and specialist SEND settings. Click the button below.

Introducing composition in the primary classroom

Online CPD session

Wednesday 19 March at 3.45 - 4.45pm

Book Now

Aurora Classroom youtube

Including 10-week schemes of work and extensive activity and audio libraries, created by Aurora Orchestra's team of specialist educators.

Watch Now

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

View fullsize

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!

View fullsize

Registration is now open for The Music Teachers’ Association Conference happening in May 2025. This years theme is ‘Stronger Together’.

The Music Teachers’ Association Conference is is a annual flagship event, bringing together 250+ delegates from across the music education sector for a weekend of exceptional CPD sessions, inspiring keynotes, a lively trade fair, and plenty of networking opportunities.

 This year’s event encompasses the theme Stronger Together and will include a wide range of topics within over thirty CPD sessions, designed to support and enhance all aspects of your work.  Confirmed keynote speakers include Dr Jim Frankel and Mark De Lisser. 

Where: Trinity Academy, Bristol

When: Friday 16th to Sunday 18th May 2025

Price: Day tickets start at £90.

Registration is now open, with early bird ticket rates are available until Monday 31st March, and discounts available for Early Career Teachers and those who are self-employed. 

Apply to be a Trustee on the Young Southampton board - Deadline 11 April 2025!

Young Southampton is a newly established, independent charity dedicated to improving the lives of young people in Southampton. We aim to strengthen youth services, increase investment, and ensure young people have a voice in decision-making.

We are now looking for passionate and skilled trustees to help lead this initiative and shape the future of youth services in the city. Whether you have experience in youth advocacy, governance, fundraising, financial management, safeguarding, or community engagement, we encourage you to apply or share this opportunity with others who may be a great fit.

Why Apply?

Play a key role in establishing and growing a charity that will make a lasting difference for young people.
Be part of an inclusive, forward-thinking board that values diverse perspectives and skills.
Gain governance experience, leadership skills, and new connections within the public, private, and voluntary sectors.
Ensure young voices are heard and represented in local services and decision-making.

How to Apply

Deadline for applications: 11 April 2025
Applications should include a CV and a short cover letter (max. 1 A4 page) explaining why you’re interested and how your skills align with Young Southampton’s needs.
Submit your application to: info@youngsouthampton.org

The Independent Nominations Committee (INC) will review all applications. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview (if required) the week commencing 14 April 2025, before final trustee selections are made.

You can find full details of the role in the attached Trustee Recruitment Pack below.

If you, or someone you know, would like more information or require support with the application process, please reach out to info@youngsouthampton.org, and a member of our steering group will be happy to assist.

TRUSTEE RECRUITMENT PACK

Find full details of the role in the attached Trustee Recruitment Pack.

Download here

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!

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will be performing and livestreaming its brand new Explore the Orchestra: Four Elements Schools' Concert on the afternoon of Wednesday 21 May 2025.

Designed for KS2 students, these thrilling and interactive concerts will be presented by award-winning composer, James Redwood.

Explore the Orchestra: Four Elements will feature music that seeks to uncover the mysteries of the four elements that make up our natural world and inspires scientific discovery.

So, prepare to open your mind as we go on a journey to explore music ranging from the traditional and familiar, to the contemporary and unknown.

This livestream concert is offered to primary schools completely FREE OF CHARGE!

It will remain available for 30 days after the event.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will also be delivering an online CPD, led by James, where you will be able learn the participatory elements featured in the concert in advance.  

The concert running time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

Book now for the Concert and Digital livestream via the buttons below!

Please contact Tom Kay on tkay@bsorchestra.co.uk  if you have any specific questions about the event.

For more information on what Explore the Orchestra is, please click here.

ks2 sCHOOLS concert & cpd: Lighthouse, Poole

Concert: Tuesday 20th / Wednesday 21st May

at 10.15am / 1.30pm

CPD session: Tuesday 25th March 2025

at 4.15 – 6pm (Wimbourne)

Book Now

Free DIGITAL LIVESTREAM OF CONCERT & ONLINE CPD

Livestream: Wednesday 21st May

at 1.30pm

Online CPD Session: Thursday 1st May

at 3.45 – 4.45pm (Zoom)

Book Now

For the creation of a new opera for early years, based on the picture book Flotsam by David Wiesner.

OperaUpClose is looking for a Composer/Librettist or Composer & Librettist Collaborators for the creation of a new opera for early years, based on the picture book Flotsam by David Wiesner.

In partnership with the Southampton & Isle of Wight Music, OperaUpClose will run a series of collaborative workshops with children from Reception to Year 2 to generate material for a new opera for early years inspired by Flotsam. Working together with teachers these workshops will use a co-creative approach, blending music-making with visual art and design.

This project is a key component of a broader strategy to integrate opera into early years music curriculums, and to explore the long-term benefits of music and opera for children's creativity and their appreciation for the arts.

Our aim is to both build teachers' confidence in delivering creative music activities and generate material for a new opera for early years, which will be performed in schools and theatres across the UK in Autumn 2026

Deadline for Expressions Of Interest:

Wednesday 12 March 2025 at 10am

Interviews will take place:

Wednesday 26 March at MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton

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.

Expressions Of Interest:

• A short letter or video (maximum 1 side A4 or 2-minute video) outlining your interest and exploring your particular suitability for this project

• A CV (PDF format), and/or link to website. 1 example of previous work, preferably accessible online.

  A completed Equality and Diversity monitoring form

If Shortlisted for Interview:

• You will be invited to meet Flora McIntosh, Artistic Director and Ally Rosser, Executive Producer and to share your ideas.

• You will also be asked to prepare a short 2 – 4 minute musical pitch responding to the material in Flotsam.

OPERAUPCLOSE OPEN CALL: Composer/Librettist

Submit an expression of interest by Wednesday 12 March at 10am

FIND OUT MORE

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

View fullsize

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

View fullsize

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.

View this post on Instagram

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!