Future Sounds of Strathclyde is a free music project for young people aged 16–25, based in Glasgow. Across a series of hands-on workshops, studio sessions and group collaborations, mentored and guided by experienced musicians, participants will explore electronic music production and create original tracks to be released together at the end of the year on vinyl and digital.
No experience needed — just curiosity, enthusiasm and a love of sound.
Kindly supported by
Strathclyde /ˈstraθ.klaɪd/ noun
-
A historic region in the west of Scotland, centred around the River Clyde, with Glasgow as its cultural and industrial heart.
-
A landscape of contrasts - industrial and post-industrial, shaped by migration, innovation, resilience, and working-class creativity.
The Instrument For The People of Glasgow (pictured above)
A one-of-a-kind modular synthesiser created by artist Scott Myles, made from donated Eurorack modules as part of his exhibition Head in a Bell at Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA). Conceived as both a sculpture and a gesture of creative generosity, the instrument was designed to live on beyond the gallery - and now has been donated to and resides at GLOSS (Glasgow Library of Synthesized Sound) as a permanent part of our collection, where it is used by our community for sound-making, learning, and exploration.
What will we do?
• Take part in 4 creative workshops led by artists and producers
• Work with pro gear and experiment with electronic instruments - including The Instrument for the People of Glasgow, a one-of-a-kind modular synthesiser created by artist, Scott Myles, and made up of synthesizer modules donated from companies around the world.
• Collaborate with other young musicians and creatives
• Record your own music in a professional studio
• Be part of a group release on vinyl and digital and public launch in early 2026
Who is it for?
If you’re aged 16–25 and want to make music — this is for you. We are also accepting applications for participants up to the age of 30 for individuals who are disabled, care-experienced, or have been young carers.
We especially welcome young people who:
• Identify as disabled or neurodivergent
• Are care-experienced or young carers
• Have experience of the criminal justice system
• Live in areas with fewer opportunities
• Come from ethnic minority or global majority backgrounds
You don’t need any music experience or qualifications - just an interest and enthusiasm for music and experimentation with sound. Just bring your ideas and we’ll build from there.
When & Where?
Workshops:
July–September 2025
Participants will be placed in one of three groups - you will be asked if you have any preference of the dates in the application form.
Group 1: July 28th + 29th, August 4th + 5th
Recording days: 6th and 7th September
Group 2: August 11th, 12th, 18th + 19th
Recording days: 13th and 14th September
Group 3: August 25th, 26th, September 1st and 2nd
Recording days: 20th and 21st September
• All workshops take place on Monday or Tuesday evenings 6-9pm at the Glasgow Library of Synthesized Sound - 5 Florence Street, G5 0YX
Recording Sessions:
Late August – early September 2025
Album Launch:
January 2026
Public transport travel costs can be supported with a stipend if needed - just let us know when applying.
How to Apply
Applications are open until 4th July 2025 - 2pm.
All you need to do is fill in a short form telling us a bit about you and why you're interested. We’re not necessarily looking for experience - just enthusiasm, willingness to explore and learn, and a curiosity to experiment.
To keep the process fair and inclusive, we use a lottery system with priority weighting. Everyone who applies has a chance, but we give extra weight to applications from people who face barriers to accessing music - like financial hardship, disability, or being care-experienced. This helps us ensure the project reaches the people who need it most.
Need help with the form? Contact us directly and we can support you to apply. hello@gloss.scot
FAQ
-
Do I need to have made music before?
No experience of previously making music is required but an interest and enthusiasm for exploring sounds and music is necessary.
-
What kind of music will we make?
This is up to you! The kind of instruments that we will be exploring can often lead to experimental territory and new ways to think about sound and composition - but this is an opportunity to explore your own creativity.
-
Can I apply if I have a disability or need extra support?
Yes. Our building is accessible with a ramp at the main door and our room is accessible by a lift in the centre of our building on the top floor. If you have specific accessibility requirements, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate them. We also can offer extra support in the form of a dedicated social carer to attend workshops if required - please let us know if that is required in your application.
-
Is it really free?
Yes. This project is supported by Creative Scotland's Youth Music Initiative which ensures that there is no financial barrier to participants.
-
What happens after the workshops?
During the workshops, participants will work towards developing ideas to take into the studio. Each group will have 2 days in the studio to create new music which will be released at the start of 2026 on vinyl and digital with distribution through Rubadub. 100% of the profits from record and digital sales will go towards creating opportunities for young people to access electronic music resources through the creation of bursary memberships and other opportunities.
Future Sounds of Strathclyde is delivered by GLOSS (Glasgow Library of Synthesized Sound) — the UK’s first non-profit, community-based electronic music library.
We believe everyone should have access to the tools and spaces needed to make music, especially those who’ve been excluded in the past.
This project is supported by Creative Scotland, Rubadub and Seabass Vinyl, and forms part of our ongoing mission to build a more inclusive and imaginative future for electronic sound in Scotland.
