Entry is free: non-professional UK-based instrumentalists (18+) can apply by 3 September.

The panel of industry judges includes broadcaster and writer Tom Service, guitarist Dagan Wilkin, and presenter Helen Arney. Winners will be announced in the autumn.

Simply submit one short video from any genre to win a share of the £3,000 cash prize pot*.

To enter the competition, visit bsolive.com/create.

 

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Lark Music announce the return of the BSO Music-Making Competition, following last year’s popular debut in which people from across the UK submitted home recordings.

The UK-wide competition is for non-professional instrumentalists to share the music they love and be heard by a brilliant panel of industry judges – if music-making isn’t the day job, this is the competition to enter.

Sponsored by Lark Music, there is a £1,000 cash prize for each age category, spanning 18-24, 25-39, and 40 plus. Performances which display confidence and control will impress the judging panel, with notes and rhythms that feel clear and intentional – as will recordings displaying musicians at ease with their instruments.

Winners of the 2025 inaugural event included: student Amy Jerman from Wareham, Dorset; counsellor and manager Llewella White from London; and former art teacher Rob Johnston, from Southsea, Hampshire.  The winners deepened their creativity, aspiring to record projects and experience more live music.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s Chief Executive, Dougie Scarfe OBE, said:
“The BSO Music-Making Competition exists to get people creating music – to pick up a new instrument, or revisit an old one, and simply start playing. If you’re over 18 and music isn’t the day job, then this is for you. Feel free to let your creativity roam, taking any genre or musical instrument as your starting point.

“We’re deeply grateful to our partners at Lark Music for supporting the competition, and for their shared faith in the awe-inspiring magic of instrumental music-making to lift and connect us all. Last year’s competition saw the most amazing outpouring of creativity from across the UK: our brilliant panel of judges can’t wait to experience your performances.”

 

Lark Music Insurance’s Partnership Account Executive, Brian Hillstead, said:
“Lark Music is an established brand within Howden, a leading global insurance intermediary group. For over 35 years, Lark Music has supported musicians by providing specialist, flexible and easy musical instrument insurance solutions. Drawing on deep sector knowledge and industry data through working with partnerships and organisations who are dedicated to making music accessible to everyone, Lark Music helps players stay focused on what matters: making music. This competition perfectly complements our passion for supporting musicians, and we’re excited to hear and feel the passion of artists across genres and ages.” 

 

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra is a registered charity, which exists to bring music into people’s lives. In addition to its world-class concert hall performances, the Orchestra supports people of all ages and backgrounds across creative health and wellbeing, music education and community music-making. Last year, it delivered almost 400 learning and participatory events, in more than 100 venues throughout the South West of England.

Lark Music, sponsor of the competition, is a specialist insurance provider dedicated to protecting musicians and their instruments. Through its partnership with the BSO, Lark Music is proud to support the Music-Making Competition and wider initiatives that give more people the opportunity to play, perform and be heard. Find out more about Lark Music’s support of the BSO and the Music-Making Competition at larkmusic.com/bso


For full details and to enter, visit bsolive.com/create – entries close on Thursday 3 September, at 11.59pm.  [ENDS]