Scottish Young Musicians announces prizes and grand final hosts

Scottish Young Musicians has announced the prizes up for grabs at the Solo Performer of the Year final in May at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Launched last year by the Music Education Partnership Group (MEPG), Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year is a new Scotland-wide competition for students at state and independent schools.

Entry to the competition is open to every school student in Scotland who sings or plays an instrument, and each local authority receives funding to allow every secondary school to take part. A finalist will also be chosen from those attending independent schools.

Most local authorities are taking part, and many are hosting local finals in the coming months to choose players to represent the area in the national final.

The prizes, just announced, will be provided by leading orchestras, institutions and festivals: 

• A coaching session with the relevant head of department from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, a masterclass, and a studio recording session with accompaniment. 
• Two runners up will receive coaching sessions and masterclasses at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
• A recital slot at The Cumnock Tryst music festival on 8 October 2023.
• Participation in an ‘immersive bespoke day’ at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, including a private lesson, a professional studio recording, plus other opportunities.
• Bespoke experiences with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and Scottish Ensemble, including meeting the orchestras’ management and players, attending rehearsals, and concert tickets.
• An invitation to attend a rehearsal and concert of The Dunedin Consort, as well as one-to-one time with a player.
• Vouchers from specialist music store Haydock Music.
• A BAM Case for a string player in the competition from Stringers of Edinburgh.
• A half-day of media and social media training from The Corner Shop PR agency.

It has also been announced that the final will be presented by singer and broadcaster Jamie MacDougal, with a special welcome from violinist Nicola Benedetti. Further details about the final, including judges and competitors, will be announced in mid-May.

Alan Kerr, chair of Scottish Young Musicians, said: ‘It is a wonderful thing to see high-profile institutions, orchestras, and musical companies come together in support of our musicians of the future. 

‘Providing performance opportunities for young musicians helps their confidence, wellbeing and abilities not just within music but across their life skills. We hope that all taking part in the competition benefit immensely from the experience, but we’re also excited that we can offer such fantastic prizes to these young musicians who have worked so hard to get to this stage.’

www.scottishyoungmusicians.com