York and North Yorkshire pupils get wider music support

demoduck.co.uk editorial team 2026-06-02 15:44 3 min read

A group of elementary school children in turquoise uniforms playing saxophones and clarinets in band.

By the demoduck.co.uk editorial team

Children and teenagers across North Yorkshire and York are being offered expanded music education opportunities in 2026, including school lessons, ensembles, specialist tutoring and access to new music technology equipment.

The North Yorkshire and York Music Hub supports pupils aged four to 18. North Yorkshire Council says more than 5,000 children and young people are already taking part through individual lessons, small-group tuition, whole-class instrumental sessions and music centre ensembles.

Music support for pupils aged four to 18

The programme is open to young musicians of different abilities and backgrounds across North Yorkshire and York. It is funded by the Department for Education and led locally through the North Yorkshire and York Music Hub.

The hub’s work covers school-based music education as well as opportunities outside normal classroom lessons. The council says the aim is to make sure children do not miss out because of background, ability or additional needs.

No cost information was included in the council notice, so parents and schools should check directly with the music service before arranging lessons or instrument access.

Lessons, ensembles and summer term performances

During the summer term, pupils are being given chances to join the music service, work with specialist tutors, play with other young musicians and perform in larger concerts before live audiences.

Available opportunities include:

Individual or small-group music lessons
Whole-class instrumental lessons in schools
Music centre ensembles
Support for pupils with additional needs
Large-scale performance opportunities
Access to specialist tutors and progression routes

At Dacre Braithwaite Church of England Primary School near Harrogate, pupils are learning instruments including trumpet, cornet, clarinet, saxophone and trombone as part of their music curriculum.

Digital music equipment coming in the months ahead

The hub is also expanding its music technology and accessible instrument stock after rising interest in contemporary and digital music.

New and upgraded equipment is expected to become available to loan in the coming months. The council says this will help more young people explore beat-making, mixing and other creative technologies.

The equipment has been funded through the Music Hubs Capital Instrument Grant. Nicola Skrzypczak, music service manager, said the hub wants young people to have the tools and support needed to explore modern creative technologies alongside routes into creative industry careers.

How parents and schools can take part

Parents who want a child to learn an instrument, or who want details of upcoming Music Hub opportunities, can contact the North Yorkshire music service by email at countyhall.music@northyorks.gov.uk.

Schools can also use the hub to widen access to instrumental learning, ensembles and inclusive music opportunities for pupils who may need adapted equipment or additional support.

Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, executive member for education, learning and skills, said music education should be open to all schools and communities in the county, with young musicians supported to reach their potential.

Source: North Yorkshire Council

Context & actions About this article

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This article is based on North Yorkshire Council's 2026 update about expanded music education through the North Yorkshire and York Music Hub.

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Confirmed the programme covers children and young people aged four to 18.
Checked that more than 5,000 young people are described as being supported across North Yo...
Verified the listed opportunities: lessons, ensembles, specialist tutors, performances and...
Checked the contact route provided for parents: countyhall.music@northyorks.gov.uk.

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