The BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year competition is now the premier award for young traditional musicians in Scotland, and many past winners have gone on to have successful careers in the world of traditional music. The final of this annual event takes place during the Celtic Connections Festival in Glasgow and performing in the finals can be the launch pad many young musicians need to kickstart their careers.

How To Apply

Entrants (aged 16–27 inclusive) must complete an application form and send in a 10-minute recording of your playing, a short biography and paragraph explaining why you want to play traditional music. Accompanists entering the award, eg guitarists or percussionists, may have a lead instrument on their recording. An adjudication panel will choose 12 semi-finalists based on their ability. All semi-finalists will be notified during the week beginning Monday 15th August 2016. The closing date for applications is Friday 8th July.

Download an application form.

Send or email to:
BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2017
c/o Mr Simon Thoumire
Hands Up for Trad
PO Box 3486
GLASGOW
G62 9DD

Email: youngtrad@bbc.co.uk

Semi-Finals Weekend. (Fri 7th-Sun 9th October 2016)
A fun residential weekend at Wiston Lodge, Wiston, South Lanarkshire including workshops and advice on all aspects of working in the traditional music business. Each semi-finalist will perform a 10 minute slot at an evening concert in Coulter Hall, Coulter, South Lanarkshire (accompanists will be provided where required) on Saturday October 8th (start time 7.30pm), which will be judged by a panel drawn from professional traditional musicians, festival organisers etc. The six finalists selected will be notified by letter during the week beginning Monday 10th October 2016.

Finals Weekend. (Fri 3-5th February 2017, Celtic Connections Festival, Glasgow)
The Grand Final will be held at the Celtic Connections Festival, Glasgow on Sunday 5th February 2017. Finalists will perform for 15 minutes in a concert setting and can be accompanied by a professional traditional musician of their choice (from a group provided). The winner of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2017 will be awarded a recording session with BBC Scotland, performance at the Scots Trad Music Awards, one year’s membership of Musicians Union, and all finalists get one year’s membership of TMSA plus the opportunity to take part in the TMSA’s annual Young Trad Tour.

Please read the Terms & Conditions before entering.