New music learning hotspots for the North East and Teesside

A major new initiative is coming to the North East and Teesside to support children and young people who want to pursue a career in the industry.

The Glasshouse Academy aims to transform music education by creating new learning hotspots in Middlesbrough and Sunderland

The Glasshouse International Centre For Music says building on 20 years of music learning, the Academy will bring together everything it does for young people - supporting them from early years through to launching careers in music. It will provide clear pathways through music education, ensuring that every young musician has the opportunity to take their next step - whether that is picking up an instrument for the first time, writing songs, producing music, or pursuing a professional career.

This announcement comes as The Glasshouse marks its 20th anniversary and confirms its commitment to music education, despite an 80% decline in public funding for this work. Rather than scaling back, they say they are stepping up and setting ambitious plans in motion to expand access to music learning.

The charity says the Glasshouse Academy will offer one of the UK’s most inclusive and wide-ranging music programmes, covering everything from classical, folk, and jazz to songwriting, music production, and beyond.

Abigail Pogson, Chief Executive Officer, said: "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 announces that applications for its Make Music Young People's programme has opened.

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.

As funding is secured over the next two years, key priorities include:

• 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

• Introducing a series of summer schools for young people

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