music changes young people’s lives

STAFFORDSHIRE YOUNG MUSICIAN

Staffordshire Young Musician of the Year competitions for Instrumentalists, Singers and Composers showcase musical talent. Organised annually by Entrust Music Service Staffordshire, they are supported financially by the Friends of Staffordshire Young Musicians. FOSYM’s support over the years has been vital in encouraging and celebrating the hard work and achievement of young people in their music-making.

Those that win the coveted title of ‘Staffordshire Young Musician’ report how the Young Musician Competition has inspired and given them confidence at a vital stage in their musical journey. It has also led to further opportunities. FOSYM keeps in touch with many past winners and follows their careers with great interest.

Staffordshire Young Musician Competition 2026 took place in July. The initial round attracted nearly two hundred entrants. From these twenty-one singers and twenty-one instrumentalists were chosen to take part in the finals. THANK YOU to all who took part and CONGRATULATIONS to the 2026 winners. The performances were outstanding!

For more details of how to apply for future competitions contact the Music Service on musicservice@entrust.co.uk.

ARE YOU AGED between seven and eighteen?

DO YOU PLAY an Instrument or Sing?

WHY NOT ENTER STAFFORDSHIRE YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR COMPETITION 2027

Singers, Instrumentalists, Composers (song and instrumental).
All abilities welcome and performers can take part at their own level.

For more details of how to apply contact the Music Service on musicservice@entrust.co.uk.

FOSYM Trustees

The Staffordshire Competition for Young Composers entries were received from all age groups. Composers used a variety of creative instrumental and vocal styles, notations, instrumentations, and lengths of piece.

The Final was a wonderful opportunity for young musicians, across a wide range of instruments and music styles, to perform to a supportive and excited audience of families, teachers and music service staff.

FOSYM Trophies

Adjudicators

Bruce O’Neil trained at Birmingham Conservatoire, Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the National Opera Studio. He first joined the Royal Shakespeare Company as a Music Director in 2002 and was Head of Music between 2013 – 2026.

SuRie is an acclaimed singer-songwriter, actor, and composer, and an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.

Each winner received a cash prize and an award from FOSYM, and every finalist received a gift voucher.

Congratulations and thanks to all who took part, their teachers, accompanists and families.