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DETAILS:

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14-
18 yrs
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Culture and Creativity

In the Making

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.

If you’re creative, ambitious, open-minded — and serious about making music and where it could take you — this programme is for you. 

 

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.

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.

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

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

 

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

For more information, click here

Application deadline: Monday 20th April 2026

The deadline for applications is 

20 April 2026
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If you’re thinking about applying for the Unloc Changemaker Grant, go for it! Not only does it provide the financial support to bring your ideas to life, but the mentorship and guidance you receive are invaluable. It’s a chance to take your passion seriously, gain confidence, and make real progress toward your goals.

-Khamani Edwards
Previous Changemaker 
Grant winner

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