ISM opens door to next musical generation

  

The Incorporated Society of Musicians is now allowing musicians under the age of eighteen to join for the first time.

The exciting ISM Young Musicians programme will let talented performers aged 13-18 who perform with the UK’s top youth music ensembles become members for free. As well as the prestige of belonging to the musicians’ professional body, they will receive a specially created package of benefits designed to help them further their knowledge and experience to prepare for and pursue a career as a professional musician. This includes access to seminars, masterclasses and training, as well as the opportunity to take part in the ISM Young Musicians competition, designed exclusively for the scheme and due to launch in 2012.

ISM Young Musicians is backed by several leading youth music ensembles from the worlds of classical, jazz, music theatre and South Asian music. Partners include the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (NYO), National Youth Orchestras of Scotland (NYOS), National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT), National Youth Jazz Collective (NYJC), Grand Union Youth Orchestra (GUYO) and Samyo, the national South Asian youth orchestra. Further organisations will join the programme over the summer.

ISM Chief Executive, Deborah Annetts, explained the point of the programme:

“Our members care passionately about the future of music education, so it seemed only natural to help the country’s best young musicians get their careers off to a flying start. The ISM Young Musicians programme is a tremendous opportunity for young people to see the music profession up close, through our training, professional networks, and showcase competition.

“This experience, combined with the excellent training offered by our partner organisations, means our ISM Young Musicians will be well equipped to become the music professionals of tomorrow.”

Sarah Alexander, Chief Executive and Artistic Director, National Youth Orchestra, said:

“It’s great that the ISM cares so much for the prospects and welfare of young musicians. Their advocacy for young musicians’ rights and the opportunity they’ve given our players to speak and play to influential figures in music is wonderfully welcome. We’re very pleased to be associated with the ISM and look forward to forging new ways together for more young musicians’ voices to be heard.”

Sara Harrison from the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland (NYOS) commented:

“The National Youth Orchestras of Scotland is delighted to be working in partnership with ISM. This valuable opportunity will allow our young musicians to be part of an important professional musicians network, which will have a direct positive impact on their development as musicians whether in a professional or amateur capacity.”

A spokesperson from NYMT said:

“National Youth Music Theatre are delighted to be partnering with the ISM on this project, which will give our young people additional opportunities to further their skills and develop their talents as musical professionals. There is a close synergy between the ISM and musical theatre and we are looking forward to developing this partnership.”

Issie Barratt, founder and Artistic Director of the National Youth Jazz Collective, said:

“The National Youth Jazz Collective, a new and vibrant National Youth Music Organisation that supports the creative and educational needs of the young jazz musician, is delighted to be working in partnership with ISM on this project. Together we can continue giving our gifted and talented young musicians the support and opportunities they justly deserve.”

Hannah Turner, Youth Orchestra Coordinator of the Grand Union Youth Orchestra, said:

“GUYO is delighted that our young musicians will be recognised and benefit from new opportunities through our partnership with the ISM. The Grand Union Youth Orchestra brings together young musicians from any cultural background, playing instruments from all parts of the world, through a substantial programme of public performances and regular masterclasses by renowned world and jazz musicians.”

Alok Nayak, Director of Development at Samyo, said:

“Indian classical music is full of pioneering and dedicated teachers and young musicians, representing a massive, global musical genre. It is a great opportunity for the talented young musicians of Samyo, the UK's Indian music youth orchestra, to be recognised by the ISM.”

For more information on ISM and the program go to http://www.ism.org.