More ways for adults to make music at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
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Make Music programme for adults is expanding to include 17 brand new classes in the building
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More pathways for people to develop skills and build confidence
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Classes go on sale Thursday 27 March
There are even more ways to make music at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music. Starting Wednesday 23 April, the venue will open its doors on Wednesdays, bringing adults together by offering more opportunities to engage with their expanded Make Music programme – part of The Glasshouse’s broader commitment to making music accessible to all. The public can book spots from the launch day on Thursday 27 March and choose from 17 new and dynamic classes.
As The Glasshouse strides into its third decade, it’s dedicated to shaping the future of music in the North East by creating a space where anyone who wants to be involved with music can be, regardless of background or experience. This expansion is part of its mission to be the most accessible music centre in Europe and to unlock creative potential across the region.
One of the charity’s goals is to inspire a lifelong love of music. Its expanded Make Music programme, along with Make Music on Demand and hybrid live-streamed music classes, will help grow its creative community by welcoming more musicians of all abilities.
From Wednesday 23 April, The Glasshouse’s adult music classes will run from Wednesday to Friday within three terms: Autumn, Spring and Summer. An extra day of sessions means more choice and flexibility for people to try more genres in a richer programme, including jazz, folk and classical.
There are also more pathways for musicians to keep improving and moving to the next stage of their musical journey by learning an instrument, developing skills, building confidence and even exploring professional opportunities in music.
Within the 17 new classes, Beginner Flute and Whistle will be the next step for those who’ve completed the Absolute Beginner Flute and Whistle course, taking their playing to the next level.
The Northumberland Folk Band session will celebrate the local traditions of Northumbrian folk music and is perfect for those who’ve been in the Beginner Folk Band and now feel confident to join a performance band.
The Glasshouse Studios – Introduction to Songwriting will be spot on for budding professional songwriters to learn about the fundamental building blocks of songwriting. Intermediate Songwriting is where experienced writers can sharpen their skills, unlocking their full creative potential. Leading both levels is the experienced singer/songwriter Frankie Jobling.
Phil Davids, Senior Programme Leader at The Glasshouse, said:
“Anyone can make music at The Glasshouse, where you’ll meet a welcoming and friendly bunch of people and become part of our community. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, you’ll find a supportive environment led by highly skilled tutors – many are industry professionals, all helping to build a vibrant, music-filled future for our region.
“Classes on Wednesdays will make it easier to find something you’re suited to, and there are now even more pathways to progress, which include brand new opportunities for Jazz, Classical, Folk and Songwriting and Music Production enthusiasts.”
Susanna Mogaji, Director of Creative Learning, said:
“Some people feel nervous about joining a music class or wonder if they’re ‘good enough’ to get involved, but as soon as you get started, all those doubts melt away. Our Make Music programme is now even bigger and better, whether you’re a bit of a pro or dipping your toe in for the first time.
We’re with you every step of the way at The Glasshouse. Our programme is inclusive and accessible and gives everyone a chance to experience the joy of making music, no matter your starting point. With classes online and in the building, we’re making sure that location, experience level, or confidence is never a barrier to making music”.
Alan Heinzman learns the ukulele at The Glasshouse. He said:
“I had never played an instrument before, but now I can! I’ve met new people at The Glasshouse who’ve become friends, and the tutors make the sessions enjoyable and easy to follow.
I’m glad there are new classes as more people will have the chance to learn and improve together. Even if they’ve never sung or played a musical instrument, they’ll grow in confidence”.
Liz Corry is part of the Sensations group at The Glasshouse. She said:
“Make Music is a fun place to make friends and create music in a beautiful environment. There’s joy in making music together – it’s uplifting and makes your day.
“Because of the new classes, more people in the North East can share the joy of making and performing music together, bringing a new focus to their lives.”
-ENDS-
– Beverley Knight: beverley.knight@theglasshouseicm.org
0191 443 4583
– Susie Gray, susie.gray@premiercomms.com
07834 073795
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Listings:
Wednesday classes online from 27 March
Brand new classes:
- Beginner Flute & Whistle
- Beginner Trumpet
- Celtic Folk Band
- Intermediate Flute & Whistle
- Intermediate Trumpet
- Northumbrian Folk Band
- Gateshead Brass Band
- Intermediate Orchestra
- Carnival Fusion Band
- Intro to Jazz Singing
- Quayside Concert Orchestra
- Beginner Folk Band
- Improv Jazz Band
- Sing Solo
- Blue Notes Jazz Choir
- The Glasshouse Studios – Introduction to Songwriting
- The Glasshouse Studios – Intermediate (held on Fridays)
About The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music is a home for live music lovers.
It’s a place where you can hear rock legends or pop icons on the same night as folk trios or string quartets. Where new musicians are nurtured and showcased on the same stages as platinum-selling performers. And where youth choirs and tambourine-shaking toddlers practise in the same spaces as its acclaimed orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia.
Because as an international centre for music they’re focused on creating and celebrating outstanding music – whether that’s unearthing or growing talent from the region or bringing the world’s best artists to their stages. And as a charity they’re focused on making sure all of that is available to anyone – no matter where you’re from, how old you are, how much money you have, or what challenges you face.
Which is why every year more than 2 million people are able to join for top-notch gigs, concerts, and classes – in their venue at Gateshead Quays, out in communities across the North East, and through livestreamed performances and digital lessons.
Whether you’re making it up or taking it in, you’ll find music lives and grows there.
More about The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
- Since opening in 2004, The Glasshouse has hosted over 10,000 performances, welcoming nearly 5 million audience members. It would take more than 27 years to see every show if you attended one every day.
- Over two decades, the charity has delivered around 230,000 music lessons, reaching young people and adults 2.7 million times across its education programmes.
- As its resident orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia has toured globally, performing across four continents and livestreaming to audiences across five.
- The Glasshouse has supported the careers of thousands of artists like Ward Thomas who have worked their way from free stages to headline shows in its main hall, achieving national and global recognition.
- Since 2004, The Glasshouse has welcomed over 400,000 delegates for conferences and events, hosting organisations such as Greggs, NHS, and British Engines.
- Over the past two decades, The Glasshouse has generated £500 million in economic impact for the North East.
- The iconic building, designed by Foster + Partners, has 630 panes of glass and stands 40 metres tall. In its opening year, it was exhibited at the Venice Biennale and won the RIBA Inclusive Design Award in 2005.
- Celebrating 20 years – In December 2024, The Glasshouse marked its 20th birthday. Over the next year, the charity will reflect on two decades of achievements and look ahead to its third decade, with major initiatives like the Music Academy and Music Pass for newborns, making music accessible to all.