Aldeburgh Young Musicians (AYM) offers creative and collaborative musical training for promising young musicians aged 10-18. We are a Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) that explores multiple disciplines and genres, ranging from folk & early music to carnival & musical theatre. At AYM we can offer a tailored experience, building on each AYM’s individual needs and interests. This customisable and progressive approach means we’re able to nurture our students' talents, producing resilient, adaptable & engaged musicians.

The quality of teaching is paramount to the success of the programme. Drawing from an extensive breadth of musicians who engage in performances and residencies at Britten Pears Arts and other partner organisations, AYM Tutors are musicians and educators of the highest calibre and share in our ethos. We strive to make connections for AYMs at relevant Further Education Music providers, giving them a head-start when preparing for the next stages of their musical development.

AYM is designed to offer supplementary musical training that enhances existing musical learning. AYMs bring a variety of different musical disciplines and experiences to our cohort, we do not offer conventional weekly one-to-one lessons, but we do require our young musicians to be regularly attending instrumental, vocal or compositional lessons outside of the programme.

AYM is based on site at Snape Maltings and utilises our unique facilities, instruments and equipment. All activity is residential, accommodation is provided in the famous seaside town of Aldeburgh. We meet regularly throughout the year via a combination of weekend courses and more in-depth five-day projects during school holidays.
We are not trying to create a specific ensemble and welcome applications from ambitious and dynamic young people who want to progress their musical skills in a collaborative environment.

Applications for the 2024-25 programme are open from Monday 12 February 2024 – Monday 1 April 2024.

Auditions for entry to AYM in 2024-25 will be held on 25th & 26th April 2024 at Snape Maltings.

Applicants do not need to have taken a specific exam. We are looking for young people who are dedicated and passionate about music. AYM is pitched at a high level in line with other CATs and we expect AYMs to develop their proficiency in musical language throughout the programme. Entry is via audition, where the panel are looking for musical potential alongside technical proficiency.

Filmed (& edited) by Greyhound Creative.

The AYM musical training programme is unique, and our philosophy is to develop musicianship by learning-through-doing. It provides a home for those who are interested in a variety of musical styles and are drawn to hands on learning. If you’re interested in starting a career in the music industry, AYM is the place to find your people and gain firsthand guidance from a variety of professional musicians alongside a creative network of young artists. Prospective students should be open minded and excited to work in new environments.

You can experience being an AYM at our Open Day and Taster Morning in March.

We are so grateful to our supporters, without whom none of our work would be possible. Visit Support us to find out how you can help.

Supporters contributing toward Aldeburgh Young Musicians include:

The Leverhulme Trust, Skyrme Hart Charitable Trust and Sorkin Family Charitable Trust.

AYM is a Department for Education Centre for Advanced Training (Music).