Aldeburgh Young Musicians
A distinctive approach to advanced musical training, which brings together like-minded young musicians and composers to rehearse, perform and exchange creative ideas.
Aldeburgh Young Musicians is an artist development programme for advanced young musicians and composers aged 8-18. AYM is a Centre for Advanced Training, based at Snape Maltings Concert Hall and part of the national network. Through a year-round programme, which includes a combination of intensive week-long residencies and weekends, individual lessons, professional advice, mentoring and performance opportunities, AYM nurtures the creative, innovative and distinctive musicians of tomorrow.
We support passionate young musicians who have the potential to be the best from any background and discipline through Aldeburgh Young Musicians and AYM Apprentices.
Applications for audition should be submitted by 10 February (our main selection period), but we will consider applications from appropriate musicians at any time.
Aldeburgh Young Musicians gratefully acknowledges their substantial financial support of the Department for Education.
Aldeburgh Young Musicians are excited to announce a new competition – Snape Young Composer of the Year. More information can be found at the bottom of the page.
Aldeburgh Young Musicians have access to the best musical training on offer, working alongside professional musicians as equals to create, rehearse, perform, compose, workshop, improvise and collaborate with some of the most exciting and like-minded young musicians around. Aldeburgh Young Musicians explore different genres and approaches as creative and thinking musicians. Each AYM develops their own individually-tailored pathway to become the creative and diverse professionals of tomorrow.
Several strands make up an AYM’s programme:
- Intensive residencies with leading professionals at Snape Maltings.
- Co-ordination of individual lessons
- Professional coaching and advice
- Vocal work
- Chamber work
- Self-led ensembles
- Mentoring
AYM Strands
Several strands make up a complete programme for our young musicians. Together, these nurture AYMs into the talented, creative individuals required to make it in today’s world as a musician.
AYM Elements – Individual days to focus on specific genres and core skills
AYM VocalLab – A resource to explore vocal technique and repertoire, as well as AYMs’ compositions and arrangements
AYM Chamber – Core ensemble skills and techniques developed through standard and new repertoire, alongside specialist sessions with instrumental experts
AYM Open House – Use the space at Snape Maltings to create ensembles, rehearse, compose, jam and record
AYM Mentoring – Experienced professional musicians become a critical friend to advise, play music with, and support.
AYM Apprentices
For less experienced, younger musicians who have the potential to become an Aldeburgh Young Musician. As well as opportunities as diverse as the full scheme, there is a specific focus on core skills and the groundwork of a well-rounded and inspired musician.
As an introduction to AYM, an Apprenticeship offers opportunities as diverse as the full scheme, but with a more specific focus on core skills and the groundwork of a well-rounded and inspired musician. This less intensive programme is aimed at younger musicians who do not have as much experience, yet have the potential to become an Aldeburgh Young Musician.
An AYM Apprentice programme includes:
- Core skills
- Vocal work
- Mentoring
- Co-ordination of individual lessons
- An intensive, week-long residency alongside experienced Aldeburgh Young Musicians and leading professionals
Meet some of the musicians
Snape Young Composer of the Year
Complementing the well-established Cambridge competition, the Snape competition is an exciting expansion, providing young composers in Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk with the opportunity to have their compositions performed by professional musicians at the Finals in autumn. It is judged in three age groups (15-17, 12-14, 11 and under) and individual feedback is provided for each piece.