COMMOTION
Youth Music Colab - Nelson Whakatū
Calling youth musicians!
Come join us at COMMOTION for a weekend of workshops, panel discussions and performances with some of Aotearoa's top musicians.
What is COMMOTION?
COMMOTION is an action-packed weekend of workshops and performances for youth aged 14-21, run by role-model artist/mentors, held every two years.

COMMOTION's purpose is to expose youth to content and inspiration otherwise not available, provide an opportunity for creative self-expression, and demystify pathways within music.
Who is it for? COMMOTION is for youth musicians, singers, songwriters, performers, beat makers and producers aged 14-21.

When? 9-10 August 2025.

Where? Held at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) and Nelson Centre of Musical Arts (NCMA).

What's the format?
  1. Workshops - Access to content not otherwise available with workshops on: Record a demo; Songwriting; Electronic music composition; Learn to DJ; Producing; Singing; Guitar tone; Rhythm section; How to get a good live sound; Mixing and mastering; Stage presence etc.
  2. Industry panels - Learn from the pro's
  3. Live performance - The opportunity to perform at the Saturday Showcase.
About COMMOTION
COMMOTION is organised in partnership with the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts (NCMA), Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), and COMMOTION volunteer organisers Emily Sanson and Scott Burnett.

Scott and Emily work closely with the staff of event partners NCMA and NMIT to offer this event. NCMA provide operational and administrative support.

COMMOTION kicks off around International Youth Day - a global opportunity to draw attention to youth issues.

COMMOTION Goals
  • 1
    Opportunities
    Provide opportunities for youth not otherwise available
  • 2
    Confidence
    Build youth confidence through skills-based workshops, mentoring, collaboration and performance opportunities
  • 3
    Inspiration
    Inspiring youth musicians to create, develop, record, publish and perform their original music
  • 4
    Collaboration
    Facilitating a supportive environment for youth to collaborate with peers and adults in the arts community
  • 5
    Pathways
    Educating youth musicians about the possibilities in contemporary music today, including music promotion, licensing and rights in the music industry
  • 6
    Diversity
    Prioritise diversity through scholarships, in artist/mentor choice and promotion strategies
  • 7
    Local
    Celebrate Nelson Whakatū as a centre for creative excellence
  • 8
    Environment
    COMMOTION is a 'zero waste' and a 'climate positive' event
  • 9
    Scholarships
    Economic hardship scholarships available
Appreciation for our partners, sponsors & supporters
Ngā mihi nui.
We couldn't do this without your generous support.

If you would like to support us or become involved, please get in touch