The Glasshouse International Centre for Music has released plans for its new education initiative, The Glasshouse Academy.

Going into its twentieth year, The Glasshouse is setting ambitious plans in motion to expand access to music learning across the North East. The Glasshouse Academy aims to bring together young people by supporting them from early years through to launching careers in music. The program will provide clear pathways through music education, ensuring that every young musician has the opportunity to take their next step – whether that’s picking up an instrument for the first time, writing songs, producing music, or pursuing a professional career. The Glasshouse Academy will offer training in classical, folk, and jazz, to songwriting, music production, and beyond.

To make this happen, The Glasshouse is launching a £20m fundraising campaign in 2025, with a goal to raise £1m each year dedicated to music education. Thanks to a £2m gift from The Foyle Foundation, which will provide the Academy with around £100k annually. Funding will go directly to The Glasshouse Academy’s goals including, doubling the number of places for young people, creating four new music learning hot-spots in Middlesbrough, Carlisle, Sunderland, and Kendal, expanding financial support, including help with buying instruments, launching The Glasshouse Studios – a hub for songwriting and music production, establishing a new inclusive youth orchestra for disabled and non-disabled musicians, and introducing a series of summer schools for young people.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer Abigail Pogson said in a press release, “For two decades, The Glasshouse has been a place for people of all ages to experience and make music. The Glasshouse Academy builds on this foundation by opening up even more opportunities for young people, and ensuring the North East remains a thriving centre for music learning and professional development.”

The Glasshouse also announced that applications for its Make Music Young People’s program is now open. The program has a range of opportunities for young musicians across the region to develop their skills, whether they’re just starting or already on their way to a professional music career. This plays a key part of The Glasshouse Academy’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing accessible pathways for all young people, regardless of their background or ability.

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