Music Hothouse

This intensive four-day music creation and performance workshop, will push songwriters’ creative talents to the max and hone the creativity, composition and collaboration skills of musical masters and novices alike.

Participants will also:

Get a kick-start into the music industry with guidance from experienced mentors
Develop musicianship through hands-on learning and practical experience
Form bands with other passionate and like-minded young musicians
Engage in jam sessions to foster creativity and collaboration
Learn the art of creating original music and explore various musical styles
Network and connect with peers who share the same passion for music
Gain valuable performance skills at a live showcase event in front of an audience

We've been giving young people the chance to pursue their music goals for the past 17 years. Past participants include Hannah Richardson, lead singer of Cherym, Multi-instrumentalist, ROE, and Paul Connolly, lead singer of The Wood Burning Savages.

Glenn Rosborough playing a guitar and singing into a microphone.

A young person holding a sheet out paper and singing into a microphone.

A group of people sitting in a circle. Some of them are holding musical instruments.

Two people performing on a stage, one playing a saxophone and the other playing a guitar.

Creative Hothouse

Creative Hothouse allows participants to expand their creative range and focus on either music, film, graphic design or photography throughout the five-day intensive course. You will both develop new skills in your chosen area and get the opportunity to work collaboratively as a group of creatives.

A group of young people standing in front of a light.

A group of people in a music studio. One of them is writing something on a sheet of paper, two are holding guitars, and another is sitting behind a keyboard.

A person is filming a group of people using an iPad.

Two people performing on a stage. One is playing a guitar, and the other is singing into a microphone.

How to Apply

You don’t need any formal qualifications for this programme, just have the thirst to learn and be prepared to collaborate with others and step out of your comfort zone.

You must be aged between 11–18 and a resident of Northern Ireland or Republic of Ireland.

Courses run throughout the year, usually at Easter and during the Summertime. Check our What's On section for the most recent course offers.

Applications for this year's Spring Music Hothouse are now full, but you can join the waiting list.

Contact Head of Music Marty McGill for more info.

Paul Connolly playing a guitar on stage with a student on the programme who is also playing a guitar.

Opportunities

Check for available opportunities here.

A person singing into a microphone. Someone is playing a guitar in the background, and is also singing into a microphone.

Funders

Supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.