© 2023 Commotion
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 a biannual action-packed weekend of workshops and performance opportunties for youth aged 14-21.
COMMOTION's purpose is to expose youth to content and inspiration otherwise not available, provide mentorship, networking, collaboration, and creative self-expression opportunities, and illuminate pathways within music.
Check out the workshops, tutors, programme, and FAQs to learn more.
COMMOTION's purpose is to expose youth to content and inspiration otherwise not available, provide mentorship, networking, collaboration, and creative self-expression opportunities, and illuminate pathways within music.
Check out the workshops, tutors, programme, and FAQs to learn more.
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?
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?
- 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.
- Industry panels - Learn from the pro's
- 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.
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 Goals
- 1OpportunitiesProvide opportunities for youth not otherwise available
- 2ConfidenceBuild youth confidence through skills-based workshops, mentoring, collaboration and performance opportunities
- 3InspirationInspiring youth musicians to create, develop, record, publish and perform their original music
- 4CollaborationFacilitating a supportive environment for youth to collaborate with peers and adults in the arts community
- 5PathwaysEducating youth musicians about the possibilities in contemporary music today, including music promotion, licensing and rights in the music industry
- 6DiversityPrioritise diversity through scholarships, in artist/mentor choice and promotion strategies
- 7LocalCelebrate Nelson Whakatū as a centre for creative excellence
- 8EnvironmentCOMMOTION is a 'zero waste' and a 'climate positive' event
- 9ScholarshipsEconomic hardship scholarships available
COMMOTION really works...
Ahead of the first COMMOTION event in 2022 we were only aware of two youth music acts from the region who had released music in the two years prior. Today 28 COMMOTION student acts have released music on Spotify! Check out the playlist below.
COMMOTION students have also performed at numerous festivals and events in the region and around the motu.
COMMOTION students have also performed at numerous festivals and events in the region and around the motu.
Appreciation for our partners, sponsors & supporters
Ngā mihi nui.
We couldn't do this without your generous support.
We couldn't do this without your generous support.
If you would like to support us or become involved, please get in touch