Barnsley Music Service

We deliver high-quality music provision for children and young people in Barnsley. We're also proud leaders of Barnsley Music Hub.

Working with the music hub's partners we offer children and young people from five to 18 the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, make music with others, learn to sing and to progress and enjoy music making. 

The Music Service is based at The Civic, Hanson Street (Off Regent Street), Barnsley S70 2HZ and is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm. Ensemble and after school activities take place every weekday evening from 4pm until late.

What we offer

We offer the following opportunities, both in Barnsley schools and at the music centre.

  • First access – allows all children to begin learning a musical instrument as part of a whole class in their primary school.
  • Small group tuition – further develops children’s ability to play a musical instrument.
  • Examinations – offer opportunities for pupils to achieve nationally accredited musical examinations.
  • Individual lessons – give a limited number of young people the opportunity to have individual lessons and support higher graded examinations.
  • Ensembles – in partnership with Barnsley Ensembles Hub we offer a range of bands, groups and orchestras for all instrument families.
  • Instrument loan scheme – available for pupils receiving tuition and subject to availability.
  • Performance/workshop opportunities – regular concerts, master classes and workshops in a range of venues locally and nationally.

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 entitled to a group instrumental music lesson at a third of the normal price, and free hire of an instrument.

Music examinations

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

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

Please note: The form will be only be available for you to complete during the booking period mentioned 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 a graded music exam

Orchestras, bands, choirs and ensembles

In partnership with Barnsley Ensembles Hub, the following activities 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 and 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