Young Artist Development Programme 2026

Part of the Folkestone Songwriting Festival

The Music Workshop and Folkestone Songwriting Festival come together once again to deliver the Young Artist Development Programme, following the success of the 2024 programme.

Open to artists aged 14–18, this free programme offers a series of focused workshops designed to develop songwriting, musicianship, and live performance skills. New for this year are instrument-led sessions exploring how to use guitar and piano in songwriting and band settings, alongside a dedicated songwriting workshop and a general vocal workshop open to singers of all styles.

Participants will perform in a live showcase gig at The Music Workshop, which will be professionally photographed and professionally audio recorded, giving artists high-quality content from their performance. The evening before, artists will take part in a Pre-Show Performance & Feedback Lab – a closed, supportive run-through where they perform to each other and receive practical feedback to prepare for the stage.

There will also be opportunities to feature on Radio Folkestone.

Now recognised as one of Kent’s leading grassroots music venues, The Music Workshop has hosted artists including Nina Nesbitt, making this a significant opportunity for young artists to perform, learn, and develop in a professional environment.

All workshops and performances are completely free.

Young Person's Name *

First

Last

Date of Birth *

Participants must be between 14-18

Parent/Guardian's Name *

First

Last

Relationship to Young Person *

Adult's Phone Number *

Adult's Email Address *

Emergency Contact Name *

First

Last

Please provide a different contact to the above

Relationship to Young Person *

Emergency Contact Phone Number *

Which workshop(s) would you like to attend? *

Songwriting with Lucy May Walker, Tuesday 27th January from 4.30-6pm
The Piano in Songwriting with Josie Matcham, Tuesday 3rd February from 4.30-6pm
The Guitar in Songwriting with Gavin Alexander, Sunday 8th February from 1.30-3pm
Vocals with Josie Matcham, Tuesday 10th February from 4.30-6pm
Pre-Show Performance and Feedback Lab with Josie Matcham, Tuesday 17th February from 6-7.30pm

Would you like to perform at the showcase on Wednesday 18th February, 7-10pm? *

Performers must attend at least 3 workshops to qualify

Musical Experience *

Including which instrument(s) you play and anything else you think is relevant

Medical Conditions/Additional Needs

Anything that you feel would be useful for us to know

Do you consent to photos/videos being taken by us for promotional purposes? *

Additional Comments/Concerns