£1,500 bursary and mentoring programme to propel young musicians in Milton Keynes

A £1,500 bursary and a tailored programme of professional mentoring are being launched to give a promising young musician or band from Milton Keynes a significant boost in advancing their music career.

The recipient of the bursary will gain £1,500 in funding, which can be allocated to a wide range of career-enhancing activities, including training, purchasing essential equipment, recording new music, marketing, promotion, or supporting a touring schedule. Beyond financial support, the bursary winner will benefit from a mentoring programme overseen by The Stables in Milton Keynes. This initiative will offer a comprehensive introduction to the music industry, with personalised guidance designed to fit the winner’s unique ambitions and career goals. Topics covered will include navigating the complexities of the music business, strategies for developing a marketable artistic identity, building and engaging a loyal fanbase, and generating sustainable income from writing, recording, and performing.

The Fresh Sounds bursary scheme has been made possible through the combined support of the Milton Keynes Community Foundation and the Christopher Hopkinson Memorial Music Fund, with The Stables taking on management of the project. The Stables, a well-known music venue and educational hub in the region, aims to use its resources and industry expertise to provide emerging talent with a pathway to professional success.

The initiative is open to songwriters, composers, solo artists, bands, music producers, and other performers aged between 16 and 24. Applicants must be based within the unitary authority of Milton Keynes, and the scheme is open to artists from all musical genres who feel ready to take the next step in their professional journey.

Graeme Surtees, Head of Learning and Participation at The Stables, expressed the importance of this support: “Milton Keynes is home to a wealth of young, creative musical talent, but breaking into the music industry can be exceptionally tough. This bursary provides not only crucial funding but also tailored guidance and access to networks that can make the difference between a dream and a viable career. We aim to break down some of the barriers that young musicians face, ensuring they know where to turn for expert advice and how to find the resources they need to get started.”

For those interested, full details and application guidelines for the Fresh Sounds programme are available at www.stables.org/freshsounds. The deadline for applications is Friday, 29 November, and early submissions are encouraged to maximise the opportunity for young musicians to gain from this exceptional support package.