Music 'hot spots' planned through new £20m academy

The Glasshouse, a prominent music center located in Gateshead, is set to launch a new music academy that will span across the North East and Cumbria. This innovative academy is part of a significant investment of £20 million aimed at nurturing the next generation of musicians. The Glasshouse itself is an impressive structure, resembling a large bubble made of glass, and it overlooks the beautiful River Tyne. It is situated on a grassy hill, surrounded by lush plants, making it a perfect place for music lovers. The primary goal of this new academy is to support young musicians throughout their educational journey and assist them in building successful careers in music. Over the next two years, The Glasshouse plans to establish four 'music learning hot spots' in key locations including Middlesbrough, Carlisle, Sunderland, and Kendal. These hot spots are designed to provide young musicians with the necessary resources and opportunities to develop their talents, whether they are picking up an instrument for the first time or aiming to pursue a professional career in music. Abigail Pogson, the CEO of The Glasshouse, expressed her excitement about the academy, stating that the center, formerly known as The Sage, has dedicated the last 20 years to being a welcoming space for individuals of all ages to create and experience music. She emphasized that The Glasshouse Academy will build upon this foundation by opening up even more opportunities for young people, ensuring that the North East remains a vibrant hub for music education and professional development. The Glasshouse Academy is committed to helping young individuals cultivate their musical abilities and explore potential career paths in the music industry. A young violinist, who has brown hair and is dressed in a grey jumper, is seen performing on stage. She is focused on reading sheet music from a stand, with blue tinsel adorning her violin. Later this year, The Glasshouse will kick off a fundraising campaign with the ambitious goal of raising £20 million, aiming to secure £1 million each year to support the academy's initiatives. They have already received a generous £2 million grant from The Foyle Foundation, which will be allocated over the next two decades. In addition to the establishment of the four learning hot spots, The Glasshouse intends to double the number of available spots for young people interested in learning music and expand its financial assistance programs to help individuals purchase instruments. The academy will also introduce a series of summer schools for young musicians and create an inclusive youth orchestra that welcomes both disabled and non-disabled musicians. Furthermore, The Glasshouse plans to open The Glasshouse Studios, a space where artists can produce their work. Applications for the Make Music Young People's program are now open, providing even more opportunities for young musicians. The Glasshouse believes that the creation of this academy will position it as one of the few places globally where young musicians can access high-quality tuition across various genres, alongside a world-class live performance program.