Brass Foundations: Future Leaders' Programme | Brass Bands England

You can become a member of BBE either as an organisation or as an individual

Brass Foundations: Future Leaders' Programme

Group of boys and girls playing different brass instruments under very dark lighting - a music tutor wearing a bright green shirt looks over

The Brass Foundations Future Leaders’ Programme is a year-long course focused on developing the talent of youth band leaders in the brass band sector. This course provides a unique training experience, with practical workshops, ongoing mentorship, peer networking and support to complete the RSL Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Music and Performing Arts Learning. 

 

Find out more about candidates taking part in the 2024-2025 programme

Applications have now closed for the 2024-2025 programme and information for the 2025-2026 programme will be available soon.

What’s included in the programme?

  • In-person workshop weekends in September, January and April with fellow participants of the programme
  • Mentoring across the year, delivered by BBE’s Youth Development Brass Specialists
  • Digital resources and training

Who is the Future Leaders’ Programme for?

This programme is ideal for individuals with some experience in an education or community youth setting who wish to enhance and hone their skills to become more confident and able youth band leaders. You may be:

  • A recent graduate seeking more experience in supporting music making with young people.
  • A peripatetic teacher looking for a CPD opportunity to support delivering ensembles.
  • A community youth band leader wanting confidence and guidance in their delivery.
  • A student seeking to build your skills alongside your other studies.

You must be able to commit to a year-long programme of training, workshops and mentoring equating to 38 guided learning hours, and a total qualification time of 125 hours. The course content will be focused on working with learners in their first year of playing, however, skills and learning will be applicable to working with musical learners of varying abilities.

What do I need in order to participate in the programme?

There are no formal academic requirements however you will need:

  • A competence in playing a brass instrument, reading music and understanding of music theory at a minimum level of Grade 5 or equivalent.
  • Access to an ensemble of learners / young people throughout the course of the year. If there are children (under 18’s) in this group then evidence of an enhanced DBS check will be required. 
  • Up to date BandSafe Training, or willingness to attend a training course (free for participants of the programme).
  • To be 18 years of age by the start of the course (1 September 2024).
  • Suitable equipment to access the course i.e. a computer to access training materials and online sessions, and the means to be able to fulfil assignments, some of which require video recording.
  • Commitment to attend all workshop dates:
  • To complete a portfolio of evidence by July 2025.
  • A willingness to learn, engage and participate throughout the course of the programme.

How much does it cost?

The Future Leaders’ Programme is available at the cost of £540 inc VAT for Individual or Organisational members of Brass Bands England, or £600 inc VAT for non-members. This fee includes the fee for the RSL Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Music and Performing Arts Learning. This programme is supported by Arts Council England supporting the mentoring and staff time dedicated to the programme.

Please note that there are limited places available, so apply early to avoid disappointment.

Programme Document

Please find the Brass Foundations Future Leaders Course document which contains all the details regarding the course outline and content

Any questions?

For any enquiries please email brassfoundations@bbe.org.uk. To find out more about BBE Brass Foundations please visit our Brass Foundations page.

 

PDF icon Brass Foundations Future Leaders course document.pdf