More Opportunities For Aspiring Musicians Across North Yorkshire

Young musicians of all abilities across North Yorkshire are set to benefit from an expanded programme of musical opportunities, including new digital technology and accessible instruments.

Young musicians of all abilities and backgrounds are set to benefit from a greater programme of opportunities to develop their musical skills across North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire Council acts as the lead organisation for the North Yorkshire and York Music Hub. The 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, the 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 the council’s music service manager, Nicola Skrzypczak, more than 5,000 children and young people aged between four and eighteen are being supported in the county and York. This provision includes a variety of individual or small group lessons, whole class instrumental sessions, and music centre ensembles.

Throughout the summer term, children and young people are continuing to be given the chance to join the music service. They are working with specialist tutors, collaborating with their peers, and experiencing the excitement of performing in large-scale concerts in front of live audiences.

These opportunities ensure that children with additional needs can fully take part, making music accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for every young person locally.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Councillor 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.

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 already benefiting from the programme are children at Dacre Braithwaite Church of England Primary School, located just outside of Harrogate. The pupils are enjoying music tuition in school as part of their music curriculum, learning to play a range of instruments, as well as developing their musical skills both in and out of the classroom.

The instruments currently being played by the students include the 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.

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. This will give more young people the chance to explore beat-making, mixing, and other modern and creative technologies. The new equipment has been made possible through funding from the Music Hubs Capital Instrument Grant.

Music service manager Nicola Skrzypczak said:

"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.

Participation in musical activity can be truly life-changing, opening up opportunities to develop new skills, build confidence, and unlock future potential."

Families who would like their child to learn to play an instrument, or those wishing to find out more about what opportunities are coming up through the North Yorkshire and York Music Hub, can find more details online at northyorkshiremusicservice.co.uk or by emailing countyhall.music@northyorks.gov.uk.