In the Making is the UK's only year-long artist development programme for young music creators aged 14–18.
We’ve been running programmes for young music creators for 18 years and helped launch the creative journeys of 1000s of young musicians across the UK – could you be next?
In the Making is for all young people and all types of music — beats, songs, sound art, classical, experimental, electronic, and everything in-between.
Each year, 50 young creators with a passion for music come together from all over the UK for an unforgettable summer residential, followed by a flexible 12-month programme of online creative development, mentoring, peer support, progressions pathways and careers support.
“In the Making has blown my mind.”
If you're creative, ambitious, open-minded — and serious about making music and where it could take you — this programme is for you.
Applications for In the Making 2026 are now open!
Come on a transformative musical journey with us. One that will shape your music, your outlook and your future...
What you'll do
1. A week-long summer residential (26 - 31 July 2026)
You'll spend six days at the University of Huddersfield in an intensive and inspiring creative environment surrounded by fellow young music makers where collaboration, experimentation, celebration and creative energy run high.
“The best thing about it was being around loads of creative people in a hard-working environment and everyone getting along whilst being at their most creative.”
What a typical day looks like:
Your days combine collaborative workshops, focused studio time, professional industry talks and creative free time.
You might spend the morning developing your own music with your Key Tutor's guidance, collaborate in small ensemble sessions after lunch, then have an afternoon industry career Q and A and then a workshop with visiting artists.
Evenings blend workshops or informal music-making with social time — the residential feels like a composition camp, a jam session, and a creative retreat all at once.
“I found the talks really inspiring and interesting to hear everyone talking about such different pathways.”
What you'll create and experience:
- Develop your own original work and creative ambition — you'll have dedicated time to develop your ideas and you’ll be inspired and supported by our expert tutors, professional artists and performers to develop your work and your practice in ways you didn’t expect
- Work with professional musicians — your music is brought to life by leading artists and producers who workshop your ideas and perform and enhance your work
- Have your work professionally recorded, performed and filmed — see your creations realised and captured with professional production quality in our showcase
- Get career advice, guidance and insight - in our industry workshops from leading labels, marketing agencies, music tech, production and more
- Join a unique creative community — build lasting friendships with other young creators from all over the UK who are on the same journey as you
“The highlight was meeting all of the lovely people who had also signed up to be part of the programme who I am so lucky are like family to me now!”
2. A year of online development (September 2026 – June 2027)
After the residential, the programme continues in the form of a unique long form artist development programme and creative community.
You'll be supported by the same tutor and peer group as in the residential while developing your skills, confidence, identity and vision as a music creator – while continually creating amazing new music.
You'll take part in:
- Ongoing personalised support from your Key Tutor — direct mentoring as you develop your ideas and navigate your creative journey
- Inspiring peer support from your new friends — sharing practice, progress and plans throughout the year
- Optional In the Making learning pathways — including putting on events, writing for video games, field recordings, commissions for galleries and more
- Free access to professional music software and tools — industry-standard DAWs and plugins to continue producing
- In the Making Radio Showcases — with your music broadcast live on our weekly radio show The Sampler Mixtape, reaching 1000s of listeners across the UK
“The entire experience of In the Making has been amazing, exceeding all expectations. I now feel I have a clear future in music and the ambition and knowledge to make it. It’s opened a lot of doors.”
Who is In the Making for?
You need to:
- be aged 14–18 by the start of the residential in July 2026
- live in the UK
You don't need to:
- have formal training or music qualifications
- be able to read or write traditional music notation (we work with all approaches to music-making)
- have an extensive portfolio or previous experience
- know anything about production software or working with live musicians
We're interested in your ideas, curiosity and creative potential.
This programme is for you if you:
- Love creating your own music or sound
- Want to push yourself creatively in a supportive environment
- Are excited by collaboration and new ideas
- Want to learn more about music careers and see different pathways
- Would love your music to be performed, recorded and shared
“The range of experiences and opportunities that were available was incredible.”
The people who support you
Tutors and artists
You'll work in a small group led by an experienced Key Tutor — a composer, producer or artist working professionally in music — supported by assistant tutors and visiting artists. Your Key Tutor becomes your creative mentor and knows your work intimately.
“This is the most amazing thing I've been involved in in my entire career — and probably the best opportunity these young musicians will ever have.” Eddie Dobson, In the Making Key Tutor, Composer, Educator
Small group sizes mean you get genuine personal attention and mentoring. Tutors understand different creative approaches and can help whether you'reworking with notation, a DAW, or completely experimental methods.
“My tutor was amazing and all the other tutors seemed great. Both staff and participants made the week so incredibly special, and I've come away with an amazing group of friends, and so much knowledge from the staff.”
Ensemble-in-residence
Every year we select an incredible ensemble to be our Ensemble-in-Residence on In the Making.
They will work collaboratively with you, whether you're working with traditional notation, exploring extended techniques on acoustic instruments, recording samples and beats, or creating experimental sound work.
You’ll spend time workshopping with the ensemble, they will offer creative insights and technical expertise as your ideas develop, which you can incorporate into your music.
“Composing for professional musicians and hearing your music played live in a concert setting was the highlight for me.”
Hotel, food and care
During the residential, participants stay all together at our hotel partner Cedar Court Hotel Huddersfield. Cedar Court offers a safe, comfortable and friendly environment, with all meals provided, needs catered for and a range of flexible spaces that the participants use for free time and creative workshops. Transport is arranged between hotel and the University of Huddersfield.
Trained pastoral staff are on site throughout the week, focused on wellbeing, safety and support.
Participants local to Huddersfield have the option to attend the programme during the daytime only, without overnight accommodation.
“The accommodation and food was really good!”
End of Residential Showcase
The final day of the residential is the culmination and crescendo of the week with five hours of new music from every single participant on In the Making.
Parents, carers, partners, funders and industry professionals are invited to join the participants to enjoy a sensational day of new music and celebration; music that did not exist at the beginning of the week; music that many of the participants would not have thought they were capable of when they arrived at the residential.
“The showcase was the best part – it was amazing to see everyone come together and support each other and was beautiful to be part of.”
Safeguarding and wellbeing
Your safety and wellbeing are our top priority.
- Dedicated pastoral staff on site throughout the residential
- Clear codes of conduct to create a supportive, respectful environment
- Enhanced DBS-checked staff — all team members are vetted and trained
- Experienced safeguarding leads who know how to support young people
Learn more about our safeguarding
“The programme was amazing, very busy but not overwhelming and everything was really well planned out and stuck to timetable.”
Fees and bursaries
Equity and inclusion underpins everything we do at Sound and Music, driven by our industry-leading Fair Access Principles.
As such we ensure In the Making is heavily subsidised and free entirely for those from low-income households to ensure that affordability is never a barrier to participation.
“Sound and Music influences real change by providing access to In the Making for all.” Richard King, CEO Faber Music
Standard fee (with accommodation): £836
Includes:
- The full residential and 12-month online programme
- Accommodation and all meals during the residential
- Professional tuition, performances and recordings
- Industry sessions and software access
Daytime-only fee (no accommodation): £536
For local participants who attend during the day only.
Bursaries
We offer means-tested bursaries covering up to 100% of the fee. We can also offer support towards travel costs.
We strongly believe that affordability must never be a barrier to ability. If you're worried about fees, please get in touch. We can have an informal conversation about bursaries before you apply, and our team can support you through the application process.
Contact: InTheMaking@SoundAndMusic.org
“You have such a broad reach in your recruitment. I really enjoyed witnessing the creativity and musicianship of all involved. It is evident how impactful the week was, and that this project can be literally life-changing.” Bernadette O'Brien, The Fran Hanley Fund
Access support
We want In the Making to be as inclusive and accessible as possible.
We can:
- Offer support with the application process — we can help you with any part of applying, including alternative submission formats. Asking for this support will not affect the outcome of your application
- Make reasonable adjustments during the programme to support your needs
- Create an Individual Access Plan for successful applicants with specific access requirements
If you have access needs or questions about how we can support you, we're here to help.
Contact: InTheMaking@SoundAndMusic.org
How to apply
Applications for In the Making 2026 are now open and will close on Monday 20 April 2026 at midnight.
The application focuses on:
- Why you want to take part
- How you make music or sound
- Your ideas, interests and influences
There are alternative ways to apply, including audio or video submissions, if you'd prefer not to write.
“It was perfect.”
What participants say about applying
“The programme really does broaden your horizons. It's a week of just pure fun. The intensity is really good — you're surrounded by music and like-minded people. When you see what so many people have made over just a few days, it's really inspiring. I've made so many best friends on the course, people I still talk to and meet up with now, and I think that's invaluable.”
“In the Making is a chance to meet other like-minded young people and experience collaborating with a professional ensemble. It's an opportunity to build a network that will help you find more opportunities related to composing and performing.”
“In the Making gives young musicians the chance to let their creativity blossom. Working with these incredible tutors and musicians is an unmatched opportunity that just isn't available elsewhere. In the Making is essential to the future of new music! If you're thinking about applying, just do it! Come and make amazing music, amazing friends — and have fun…!”
Still got questions?
We offer In the Making Meet the Team drop in sessions during the application period:
'Meet the Team' drop-in sessions on:
- Monday 2 March
- Thursday 9 April
We’d love to meet you, hear more about your interest in In the Making and answer your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to apply?
“Please keep this going for years to come.”
Thank you to our funders
Find out more
Our annual residential gives you the opportunity to explore your musical creativity. Whether you create in a Digital Audio Workstation, with a band, use notation, improvise or are curious about experimenting, we will support you to bring your ideas to life with the guidance of expert tutors, professional composers and musicians.
During the Residency Phase, young composers are assigned a tutor and a group of expert musicians who work with them to help bring their ideas to life. At the end of the week-long residential, they’ll have created a new piece that will be performed and professionally recorded. This can be used as part of their portfolio or shared on social media.
Got a question about one of our programmes? Wondering what we mean by composer? How to apply? Or how you can support our work?
Take a look over our answers to some of the questions we get asked the most.