The Glasshouse Academy

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Growing the future of music – with you.

For 20 years, we’ve been helping young people and artists make music, develop their skills and take their next steps. Now, we’re expanding what we do – so even more people can access high-quality music education and creative opportunities, whatever their background or ambitions.

The Glasshouse Academy isn’t something brand new – it’s about building on what’s already here and making sure that anyone who wants to make music can do just that.

If you’re already part of our music programmes, nothing is changing. The Academy brings everything under one banner, making it easier for young musicians to find their path – whether they’re just starting out or aiming for a professional career

What we do now

Music education and artist development have always been at the heart of The Glasshouse. And we’re doing it every day.

Make Music Young People

Workshops, ensembles and mentoring for young musicians at every stage.

Artist Development

Opportunities for emerging artists to grow, create and connect.

Schools

Supporting music education in classrooms across the North East.

Dirty Freud, From The Glasshouse at The Glasshouse credit Victoria Wai

BBC Introducing

Showcasing and celebrating new music from local talent.

Folkworks Summer School

Immersive folk music experiences led by world-class musicians.

What it means to us

Music has the power to inspire, connect and transform lives. As we expand our work, we’re celebrating the impact of music and what it means to the people who make it.

Music makes me feel...

We asked young people at The Glasshouse how powerful music is in their lives. The result? A celebration of all the incredible ways music shapes us – from building confidence and making new friends to simply finding joy.

Twenty years of music. One big future.

Everything music can do. Under one iconic roof.

Designed and built for live music in 2004. Home to spine-tingling, mind-blowing, life-affirming experiences ever since. We’re looking back on two decades of music-making in the North East.

What's coming next

Over the next two years, we’re:

Doubling the number of places for young people.
Creating new music learning hotspots across the region.
Expanding financial support, including help with instruments.
Launching The Glasshouse Studios – a hub for songwriting and music production.
Establishing a youth orchestra for disabled and non-disabled musicians.
Running summer schools to inspire the next generation of artists.

How we'll make it happen

We’re launching a £20m public fundraising campaign, aiming to raise £1m per year to support music education and artist development for the future.

This expansion is part of our wider vision for the next decade.

Alongside the Academy, we’re working to:

Make The Glasshouse the most financially accessible music venue in Europe
Support the region’s creative ambition – (link to Music City page if we make one)
Maintain our world-class venue and programme.