Advanced Young Musicians (AYM) is not a traditional music programme. It’s a place where young musicians come together to explore, create, and grow – not just as performers, but as creative thinkers and collaborators.

A space to grow 

At AYM, we nurture talent by creating an environment where curiosity, individuality, and creativity are valued. Students are supported to develop their skills, confidence, and artistic voice at their own pace.

We focus on potential – not perfection – helping each musician find their own pathway, whether that leads to conservatoire, university, specialist training, or a lifelong connection with music.

Learning by doing

Everything at AYM is hands-on.

• You’ll learn music by ear as well as from notation
• You’ll improvise, compose, and experiment regularly
• You’ll explore ideas practically first – and understand them later

This approach builds deep musical understanding and confidence, helping students connect theory directly to real musical experience.

Creative musicianship

Musicianship at AYM goes beyond reading and technique. It’s about making connections between everything you do as a musician.

You’ll develop the ability to:

• Listen and respond intuitively
• Work across different styles (classical, jazz, folk and more)
• Improvise and create without fear
• Lead and collaborate within ensembles

Creativity is at the heart of everything – both individually and as a group.

Making music together

Collaboration is a defining part of AYM.

You’ll regularly:

• Work in small groups and ensembles
• Create new music with others
• Share ideas and develop them together

The programme emphasises collective creativity, giving students experiences that go far beyond typical music education.

A typical day

Each Saturday runs 10am – 4.30pm and includes a mix of activities, such as:

• Group warm-ups and musicianship sessions
• Ensemble rehearsals and creative projects
• Opportunities to perform, experiment, and reflect

Days are active, varied, and collaborative – with musicianship and music-making at the centre throughout.

The year at AYM

AYM takes place through:

• Weekly Tutor Led Saturday activity during term time  
• Termly Workshop Saturdays working with Artists and styles identified by AYM cohort
• Termly Open Spaces Saturdays to focus on your own projects
• Termly Performance Opportunities in Concert Hall and Britten Studio with other Pathways musical programmes
• Masterclasses with International Artists during Aldeburgh Festival
• Intensive August project including high profile performance opportunities
• Membership to KS4-KS5 Youth Choir (after school on Fridays during term time) 

View the AYM 2026–27 calendar.

More than just playing, AYM empowers young musicians to explore new ideas, take creative risks and shape their own musical identity. Whether they go on to conservatoires, university, or continue music in their everyday lives, they leave with confidence, curiosity, and the ability to think, create and make music their own. 

You’ll learn to connect your listening, thinking, and playing – turning ideas into music and music into ideas.