Aldeburgh Young Musicians
An artist development programme for advanced young musicians and composers aged 8-18.
A distinctive approach to advanced musical training, which brings together like-minded young musicians and composers to rehearse, perform and exchange creative ideas.
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.
We have extended our application deadline, so we are still accepting applications in 2018.
Aldeburgh Young Musicians gratefully acknowledges the substantial financial support of the Department for Education.
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 @ Ten
July 2018 marked a significant landmark as Aldeburgh Young Musicians celebrated the tenth anniversary of the first ‘officially’ auditioned cohort to the full scheme. To mark the occasion, AYM invited some of its remarkable alumni back to Snape Maltings to celebrate and showcase three main areas of their work on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 July.
As part of our celebration concert, we commissioned a new film. This short documentary focuses on the past ten years, the present and the future of Aldeburgh Young Musicians. Interviewing the visionary individuals involved in the conception of the scheme, the professional artists who lead the activities, various alumni in professional work, the young musicians at the core of the programme and the team of passionate staff who facilitate the AYM scheme, this film encapsulates the distinct AYM way of learning that makes the programme so special.
East Anglian Young Composer Competition
The competition is open to composers aged 17 years and under in Cambs, Herts, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk
More infoAYM 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
Recruitment workshops
We have concluded our 2018 workshops, however, please check again in January 2019 for further information.
Each year, Aldeburgh Young Musicians (AYM) host a number of creative workshops in schools across East Anglia, and are aimed at potential new students as an introduction to this unique scheme. The day is an opportunity for anyone who is interested or curious about what we do to find out more. Working with professional musicians, the creative workshop will further develop your musical skills and include a combination of rhythmic work, improvisation and composition, as well as ‘jamming’ to create new music together. It will be an opportunity to work with other able musicians in an imaginative way. No experience of improvisation is necessary to take part, however.
Aldeburgh Young Musicians works with exceptionally gifted young students, but our scheme also looks for those with potential. If you have musical passion and drive, why not see if this scheme might be for you?
If you would like to take part in these workshops, please contact Aldeburgh Young Musicians using the details below. The workshops are free to attend, but numbers are limited and you must register with AYM first.
If you are a teacher and are interested in hosting an AYM workshop at your school, please contact aym@snapemaltings.co.uk to register your interest.