Entry is now open to singers and instrumentalists aged 26 or under on 4 July 2021, who have their home address,  attend school, or, were born in Essex.

Initial entry is by an unedited video recording with the final round on Sunday 4th July. The final will either be an online  or a live concert hosted by Ongar Music Club.

John Lill CBE, the distinguished Essex-born pianist and Ongar Music Club President, generously supports the competition. Find out more about this competition on our website. 

February and March see a number of free online CPD sessions offering the opportunity to experience some of the online music resources available in our E-Learning package plus CPDs from one of our partners, Sound Connections.

• Discover Charanga's SEND and Create resource on 9th February               
• Inclusive Practice in Action - a two day virtual sit-in on diversifying the music education workforce delivered by Sound Connections on 11th and 12th February.
• Composing with Charanga on 23rd February.
• An introduction to analysing data and writing reports with Sound Connections on 23rd February.
• Join the Primary School Music Teachers Network meeting on 2nd March to discover ICT in music including O-Generator. 
• Discover O-Generator Wednesday on 10th March  

If you are hunting for free resources to engage primary school pupils in music there is a new list on our website to help with just that!

Find our more on our website from BBC Ten Pieces Tasters, Classics for Kids, Rob's Kitchen Music to Virtual boomwhackers.

Here is an opportunity to finish the Spring term with an inspirational and inclusive free event - the Big 10 Minute Sign & Sing on 29 March.

Pupils at home, in-school bubbles or whole schools can choose any song from Songbank to participate in this project. Video entries will be available on YouTube on 29 March.

More information can be found on this website link.

The Impact of Music on Health & Wellbeing is a free two-hour online seminar. It takes place on 11 February from 10am - noon. To register and get your free ticket please click on this link.

Music Mark has collated a selection of mental health and wellbeing resources aimed at musicians, educators, young people, those working in the music education sector, and anyone looking for ways to support their wellbeing. Find  the extensive list of helpful resources on Music Mark's website. 

Connectivity to Careers is a collaboration and innovative series of 3 online events:-

• Music Technology and Music Hubs - 24th February 
• Industry, Education and Community Pathways - 3rd March 
• New and Accessible Music Technology -10th March

Opportunities for young musicians to develop composing skills.

Applications close at 11pm on tonight for the ORA Singers Composer Competition.  Click this link to find out more. 

Faber Music and Sound & Music are offering ten young composers (aged 14 - 18 years) who may face financial barriers the opportunity to learn composition and develop skill on the Sound & Music Summer School 2021. Find out more on this website link.

Virtual work experience with the Royal Marines Band Service - a two-day course is open to young musicians and vocalists aged 14+years. Find out more about this course (15th and 16th February) on this website link.

Junior Trinity College invite talented musicians aged 10 - 19 years with have a passion for music to join its main programme. Find more information on its website.

Chelmsford Cathedral Choirs are currently recruiting for boys (school years 3 - 5) and girls (school years 6 - 9). All of the choirs are free to join. To find out more about the choirs and how to audition email music@chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk 

Summer Schools

National Schools Symphony Orchestra opens for 2021! Summer residential courses for 8 - 17 year olds will be run from 8th - 18th July 2021. Click on the website to find out more. 

Take the Lead at a Summer School for Musical Theatre enthusiasts! The opportunity for those aged 16+ to work with the industry professionals from Trinity Laban from 2nd - 6th August. Find our more on this website link.

Congratulations to Connor from The Gilberd School in Colchester for being the runner-up in the VIP Studio Session Lo-Fi Hip Hop competition. Click the VIP Studio session website to find out more and listen to Connor's winning tune!

VIP Studio Session is just one part of our E-Learning package suitable for Secondary Schools.