Scottish Young Musicians launches competitions for all school students

Young musicians of all abilities across Scotland are invited to enter Scottish Young Musicians, a new festival of music competitions for state and independent school students.

Announced by the Music Education Partnership Group and seeking a Solo Performer of the Year and a Brass Ensemble of the Year, the two competitions expand upon the North Ayrshire Young Musician Competition, founded by Alan and Brian Kerr over 20 years ago. 

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

The final will be held at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow on 29 May 2022, and the winner will receive a sculpture by Sandy Stoddart and the opportunity to work with world class musicians. 

An online competition, the Scottish Young Musicians Brass Ensemble of the Year is open to ensembles of up to 10 players aged 18 and under who play together in school or in their local youth brass band. There will also be an ensemble chosen from those attending independent schools. 

The closing date for entries is 25 March 2022 and the results will be announced on 25 April 2022, with the winning ensemble receiving a performance slot at the Solo Performer of the Year Final, a trophy, and a prize of £750 to be spent on music related activities. 

In order to ensure full accessibility, all competition fees are covered and travel expenses will be covered for the finalists and their parents if required. 

Alan Kerr, chair of Scottish Young Musicians, said: ‘Providing performance opportunities for young musicians helps their confidence, wellbeing and abilities not just within music but across their life skills. This festival of music brings the benefits of music tuition into the spotlight as it supports learning across the whole curriculum.’

John Wallace, convenor of the Music Education Partnership Group, said: ‘Performing music to the best of our abilities whatever age we are is just about as good as it gets. This uplifting festival of music making gives Scotland’s young people the opportunity to fill our needy world with beautiful, healing and inspiring sounds.’

A supporter of the competition, alongside Sir James MacMillan, Nicola Benedetti said: ‘We are entering a rare and beautiful moment in Scotland’s history, where a phenomenal combination of individuals and organisations are tirelessly working together to achieve the highest possible inclusivity and excellence in music, all equally committed to enriching our national story and legacy, and furthermore, we have a new governmental commitment to free instrumental tuition for Scotland’s young people. 

‘It feels like such an exciting time for classical music in Scotland and the perfect moment to launch Scottish Young Musician to celebrate the brilliant young musical talent across the country. I am excited to see how this develops.’

www.scottishyoungmusicians.com