Go back
Back to Schools and education

Music education and Barnsley Music Service

Barnsley Music Service are delivery partners and members of South Yorkshire Music Hub. We offer modern, accessible, and inclusive music education across Barnsley. We provide various opportunities for young people to engage in music outside of school. For more details, visit Barnsley Music Service.

We're located at Barnsley Civic, Hanson Street (Off Regent Street), Barnsley S70 2HZ. Our offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5pm. We also host ensemble and after-school events every weekday evening from 4pm until late.

What we do

  • Give high quality music education and support for 5-18 year olds in Barnsley.
  • Inspire young people to sing and play a musical instrument.
  • Develop young musicians' talent. We do this by offering the chance to perform at different levels.
  • Promote and develop music in Barnsley through diverse partnerships.
  • Enhance and develop life skills through music.

What we offer

We offer the following options, both in Barnsley schools and at the music centre:

  • First access. This allows all children from age 5 to 18 the chance to learn a musical instrument. This is through whole-class ensembles that start at primary school.
  • Small group tuition. Further develops children’s skill to play a musical instrument.
  • Exams. Options for pupils to achieve a nationally accredited music grade.
  • One to one lessons. A limited number of young people the option to have one to one lessons. These are also used to support higher graded exams.
  • Ensembles in partnership with Barnsley Ensembles Hub. We offer a range of bands, groups and orchestras for all instrument families. This gives children the chance to play and perform from an early stage.
  • Instrument loan scheme. For pupils receiving tuition, with discounts for those on low incomes.
  • Performance/workshops. Regular concerts, master classes and workshops in a range of venues locally and nationally.
  • Singing: This makes sure that every pupil sings regularly. Choirs and other vocal ensembles are available in the area.
  • Continuing professional development (CPD). We offer CPD to school staff and support schools to deliver music in the curriculum.

Find out more by browsing the sections below.

Instrumental tuition

  • Violin, viola, cello and bass
  • Guitar (acoustic, electric and bass)
  • Flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, bassoon, recorder
  • Cornet, trumpet, flugel horn, tenor horn, French horn, baritone, euphonium, trombone and tuba
  • Piano and keyboard
  • Tuned and un-tuned percussion
  • Voice

If your child qualifies for scheme of aid and receives free school meals.  They're also entitled to a group music lesson at a third of the normal price.  They can also hire an instrument for free.

Music exams

When your child reaches the required standard. The music service tutor will give them a letter to bring home. This will recommend the grade that they should be entered for.

The letter will contain all the details that you need to complete the correct online graded music exam entry form.

The forms will be only be open for you to complete during the booking period on your letter. It does include guidance to help you to complete it, but please call us if you are having any problems.

Register for an exam

Register for a ABRSM graded music exam - currently unavailable
Register for a Rockschool graded music exam - currently unavailable

Orchestras, bands, choirs and ensembles

In partnership with Barnsley Ensembles Hub, the following events are offered:

Group Day Time
Wentworth Strings Friday 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Stainborough Strings Friday 4.20pm to 5.20pm
Oakwell Strings Friday  4.45pm to 5.45pm
Barnsley Guitar Ensemble Wednesday 6.15pm to 7.15pm
Barnsley Junior Guitar Ensemble Thursday 5.15pm to 6pm
Barnsley Metropolitan Band Wednesday 6.45pm to 9pm
Barnsley Town Concert Band Monday 6.15pm to 8.15pm
Barnsley Junior Band Wednesday 4.45pm to 5.45pm
Barnsley Intermediate Band Tuesday 4.45pm to 6pm
Penistone Junior Band Tuesday 3.45pm to 4.45pm
Barnsley Percussion Ensemble Thursday 4.30pm to 5.45pm
Civic Fusion   Monday 5pm to 6pm

All of these take place at Barnsley Music Service, The Civic, Hanson Street, Barnsley, S70 2HZ.  Except Penistone Junior Band which takes place at Penistone St John's Primary School.

What our students say

Skye, a Barnsley Music Education Hub student says: "Playing a musical instrument has given me a huge boost in confidence. Its also given me important skills for learning and studying. It's simply the best fun and so rewarding."

Skye - Barnsley Music Education Hub student pictured holding her Baritone