Be a part of Scotland’s national festival of music competitions
Scottish Young Musicians is Scotland's leading festival of music competitions. Young musicians can compete to win big prizes, perform live on a national stage, and push their skills like never before.
The competitions are open to every school student in Scotland who sings or plays an instrument, and you can enter as a soloist or an ensemble.
Highlights from the Scottish Young Musicians National Final 2023
Scottish Young Musicians 2023
Following an incredible evening of performances by young musicians from across Scotland, the Solo Performer of the Year has been announced.
Emily Barron, a 16-year-old clarinettist from St. Columba’s School Kilmacolm was awarded the title. Will Archibald from Dumfries and Galloway and Michael Gemmell from the Scottish Borders were awarded the position of equal runners up.
The evening also featured performances from our Ensemble of the Year winners, East Lothian Council Instrumental Music Service Senior String Ensemble, and Brass Ensemble of the Year, Stranraer Brass.
Find out more about the Final >>
Want to stay in the loop about next year's competition? Follow us on social media to get the latest announcements.
The Competitions
A nationwide competition to discover the brightest musical talent in Scotland, open to every school student in Scotland who sings or plays an instrument. Following local competitions, the National Final will be held on Sunday 21st May 2023 at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
An online competition open to ensembles of 3 to 12 players, in any genre. School and local ensembles can win a chance to perform in a prime slot at our National Final. There will be additional prizes including a prize for an exceptional brass ensemble.
Why take part?
Scottish Young Musicians is a unique event that aims to bring out the best in young musicians. By taking part you'll:
- Have a chance to win big prizes. Last year's competition prizes included cash to spend on developing music skills, a handcrafted trophy, coaching, studio recording sessions, meet-and-greets with Scotland's top music institutions and more!
- Grow in confidence as you perform in front of live audiences at a local, regional, and national level
- Level up your skills. Competitions are an incentive to put in that extra bit of effort that can take your performance to the next level
- Meet other young musicians, in an environment where you can observe and learn from each other
Follow us on social media to get the latest announcements about the Scottish Young Musicians competitions.
We are currently in a rare and beautiful moment in Scotland’s history, where a phenomenal combination of individuals and organisations are tirelessly working together to achieve the highest possible inclusivity and excellence in music, all equally committed to enriching our national story and legacy, and furthermore, we have governmental commitment to free instrumental tuition for Scotland’s young people. It feels like such an exciting time for classical music in Scotland. Scottish Young Musicians offers the chance to celebrate the brilliant young musical talent across the country and as we move towards the National Final.
