The Glasshouse International Centre for Music has unveiled plans for The Glasshouse Academy – a major new initiative to transform music education in the North East and beyond.
Building on 20 years of music learning, The Glasshouse 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’s 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’re stepping up and setting ambitious plans in motion to expand access to music learning across the North East.
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.
The Glasshouse also announces that applications for its Make Music Young People’s programme opens on Tuesday 4 March. This programme 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. The programme is 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.
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
There are few places in the world where young musicians can access high-quality tuition across multiple genres, alongside a world-class live performance programme, all under one roof. By expanding The Glasshouse Academy, the North East will become one of the best places in the country to learn music, develop talent, and build a career as a musician.
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 Academy is a key part of Newcastle Gateshead Music City, an initiative that’s putting the region on the map as a place where music and talent can thrive. By expanding music education, creating new pathways for young musicians, and supporting emerging artists, the Academy will help ensure the North East isn’t just a great place to experience world-class music, it’s a place where artists can build careers, connect with the industry, and stay.
The next phase of fundraising will launch publicly in 2025 to support the Academy and help secure the future of music education for generations to come.