Link to the source article from BBC Music ‘hot spots’ planned through new £20m academy (2025)
A major entertainment centre is fundraising to invest £20m into a new academy to develop the next generation of musicians.
The Glasshouse in Gateshead is aiming to support young musicians throughout their education and help them build a career in music.
Over the next two years, the academy will open four “music learning hot spots” in Middlesbrough, Carlisle, Sunderland and Kendal.
The organisation said the scheme had been designed to ensure young musicians could take their next step in developing their talent, whether that be picking up an instrument for the first time or pursuing a career.
Glasshouse CEO Abigail Pogson said the centre, previously called The Sage, had worked for the last 20 years to be a place people of all ages could make and experience music.
She said: “The Glasshouse Academy builds on this foundation by opening up even more opportunities for young people and ensuring the North East remains a thriving centre for music learning and professional development.”
Later this year, the music centre will launch a £20m fundraising campaign, with the aim of raising £1m each year to fund the academy.
It has already received £2m from grant distributor The Foyle Foundation which will be invested over the next two decades.
Over the next two years, as well as creating the four learning hot spots, The Glasshouse intends to double the number of places available to young people wishing to learn music and expand its financial support to help people buy instruments.