Applications open for Sage Gateshead’s Young Musicians Programme

Harriet Clifford
Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Bursaries and grants are available for the music centre’s 2021/22 developmental programme for ages 4 – 19, which is accepting applications now.

Jambone and Jazz Attack, Sage Gateshead's non-auditioned youth jazz ensemble

This article originally appeared in Music Teacher magazine.

Sage Gateshead in the North East of England has opened applications for its Young Musicians Programme 2021/22, also announcing an online open day on 13 March from 11am-12.30pm.

The programme, which is aimed at children from as young as four to teenagers up to 19, is designed to provide opportunities for aspiring musicians to meet new friends and improve their skills, confidence and self-esteem.

Open to any young person passionate about music, the programme aims to be accessible and Sage Gateshead is encouraging applicants from ‘the widest possible range of backgrounds’.

The statement reads, ‘Access to music study is supported and the team has specialist skills in working with children and young people experiencing challenging circumstances.

‘Sage Gateshead wants to make sure that there are no barriers to taking part and financial support is available through grants and bursaries.’

In 2020/21, over £230,000 of bursaries were distributed, with some students paying no fees at all. Additionally, seventy-five per cent of Centre for Advanced Training students received a bursary.

For different age groups (with crossovers), the programme includes:

Ages 4 – 14: A mix of musicianship classes, foundation instrument lessons in strings, wind, brass and singing, and choirs and ensembles – no audition is required.

Ages 10 – 16: Training ensembles to explore musical interests in a relaxed weekly class.

Ages 8 – 19: Those with a passion to take music further can audition for the Centre for Advanced Training. This involves one-to-one lessons, ensemble training, music theory and history classes alongside performance opportunities.

Ages 13 – 19: Teenagers can audition for one of the four youth ensembles where they can hone playing and singing skills.

The open day on 13 March will include a presentation about the programme, introductions to staff and tutors, a chance to ask questions, and a video tour of Sage Gateshead and the Music Education Centre.

Applications close on 16 April. More information and the application form can be found here.