© 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 particularly the 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 particularly the 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 a variety of workshops on songwriting, music performance, music production and music industry topics.
- Industry panels where you can learn from the pro's
- The opportunity to perform at the Saturday evening showcase concert.
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
- OpportunitiesProvide opportunities for youth not otherwise available
- ConfidenceBuild youth confidence through skills-based workshops, mentoring, collaboration and performance opportunities
- InspirationInspiring youth musicians to create, develop, record, publish and perform their original music
- CollaborationFacilitating a supportive environment for youth to collaborate with peers and adults in the arts community
- PathwaysEducating youth musicians about the possibilities in contemporary music today, including music promotion, licensing and rights in the music industry
- DiversityPrioritise diversity through scholarships, in artist/mentor choice and promotion strategies
- LocalCelebrate Nelson Whakatū as a centre for creative excellence
- EnvironmentCOMMOTION is a 'zero waste' event
- ScholarshipsEconomic hardship scholarships available
COMMOTION really works...
Ahead of the first COMMOTION event in 2022 we could only identify two youth music acts from the region who had released music in the two years prior. Today after two COMMOTION events, 26 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