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
Feedback from course participants
“I think this course is brilliant and incredibly helpful.”
“It’s so exciting to know that other people are doing the same thing as you, and that we all have the same feelings, this programme is both validating my thoughts and challenging my thoughts which is good.”
Full information regarding the 2025/26 Programme will be available in early April, with applications opening in early June.
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. The course assessment focuses on demonstrating the progression of young learners - please bear this in mind when applying and selecting the learner group you intend to focus on throughout your time on the course.
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.
- A competence in being able to communicate (written or spoken) tasks and assignments equivalent to the standard expected at level 3 (A level).
- Evidence of regular access to an ensemble of learners / young people throughout the programme. 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 2025).
- 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. Knowledge of working within Google Suite will be useful, however support will be provided.
- Commitment to attend all workshop dates. The September weekend is intended to take place in the Midlands, with future weekend locations arranged depending on location of participants.
- Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 September 2025
- Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 January 2026
- Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 April 2026
- To complete a portfolio of evidence by July 2026
- A willingness to learn, engage and participate throughout the course of the programme.
- Time which can be set aside each week to complete tasks, planning and assignments of a minimum of 3 hours per week.
How much does it cost?
The Future Leaders’ Programme is available at the cost of £750 inc VAT for Individual or Organisational members of Brass Bands England, or £800 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. The course fee can be payable in two instalments.
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 futureleaders@bbe.org.uk. To find out more about BBE Brass Foundations please visit our Brass Foundations page.
Brass Foundations Future Leaders course document.pdf
This document will be reviewed in March 2025 and an up to date version issued in April 2025
