Young musicians of all abilities and backgrounds are set to benefit from a greater programme of opportunities to strike the right chord for years ahead.
We are the lead organisation for North Yorkshire and York Music Hub. The Music Hub supports and delivers high-quality music education to children and young people across the county and York, helping them to build their creativity, confidence and long-term musical development.
Funded by the Department for Education, North Yorkshire and York Music Hub is nurturing the next generation of young musicians in schools by making sure that no child misses out on the opportunities and enjoyment which music brings.
Under the leadership of our music service manager, Nicola Skrzypczak, more than 5,000 children and young people (aged between four and 18) are being supported in the county and York through a variety of individual or small group lessons, whole class instrumental lessons and music centre ensembles.
Throughout the summer term, children and young people are continuing to be given the chance to join the music service, work with specialist tutors, collaborate with their peers and experience the excitement of performing in large‑scale concerts in front of live audiences.
The opportunities ensure that children with additional needs can fully take part, making music accessible, inclusive and meaningful for every young person locally.
Executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “Music is at the heart of a school and all children and young people deserve equal opportunities and to experience the fun of music.
“The chance to make music or play an instrument will stay with your child for the rest of their lives. Singing or playing will increase their understanding and enjoyment of music and build teamwork, increase self-confidence and unique opportunities to perform.”
She added: “Our aim is for music education to be open to everyone in all schools and communities in the county and the young musicians reach their true potential.”
Among those to benefit are children at Dacre Braithwaite Church of England Primary School, just outside of Harrogate, who are enjoying music tuition in school as part of their music curriculum and learning to play a range of instruments, as well as developing their musical skills both in and out of the classroom.
The instruments being played include trumpet, cornet, clarinet, saxophone and trombone.
The school’s headteacher, Mrs Jo Dobbs, said: “Learning about music, having the opportunity to play musical instruments and make music together is uplifting and a vital part of a rich and rounded education.
She added: “The children genuinely enjoy the weekly music sessions where they learn a variety of pieces and delight in playing together as a band.”
Meanwhile, the Music Hub is expanding its music technology and accessible instrument stock due to an increasing interest in contemporary and digital music.
New and enhanced music technology and accessible instrument equipment will be available to loan in the coming months, giving more young people the chance to explore beat-making, mixing and other modern and creative technologies. This new equipment has been made possible through funding from the Music Hubs Capital Instrument Grant.
Nicola added: “It is fantastic to see children and young people wanting to engage more with contemporary digital music. We are committed to ensuring they have access to the equipment and support needed to explore beat making, mixing, and a wide range of modern creative technologies, alongside clear progression pathways into careers in the creative industries.”
She added: “Participation in musical activity can be truly life-changing, opening up opportunities to develop new skills, build confidence, and unlock future potential.”
If you would like your child to learn to play an instrument or find out more about what opportunities are coming up through North Yorkshire and York Music Hub or email countyhall.music@northyorks.gov.uk