Children in Harrogate are finding their rhythm thanks to free music and vocal lessons provided by North Yorkshire Council.
It’s part of the council’s music service, with schools like Willow Tree Community Primary School seeing a surge in musical engagement.
While music remains a core part of the National Curriculum, schools have faced increasing challenges in maintaining provision due to budget constraints.
In response, North Yorkshire Council’s music service is working to ensure high-quality music education remains accessible to all children, regardless of background.
Among the schools benefitting is Willow Tree Community Primary in Harrogate, where pupils are actively learning a variety of instruments and developing their musical skills both in and out of the classroom.
Headteacher Robert Mold said:
“All children learn a musical instrument as part of our curriculum offer and we have also started a Key Stage 2 choir performing at the Royal Hall earlier this year, as well as being invited to Harrogate High School’s summer concert.
“With the help of the council’s music service, we have been able to offer affordable peripatetic music teachings to more than 60 children across the school this year, as well as the whole school showcasing their musical talents at assemblies.
“Our pupils have had the opportunity to learn to play the drums, guitar, flute, piano, vocal and brass instruments. It has given many of our children an opportunity to learn a new skill, develop confidence and begin what we hope will be a lifelong love of music.”
He added:
“Our intention is to continue our work with the music service to develop an ensemble and band that perform to their peers, families and the wider community."
Currently, the council’s music service supports 2,500 pupils across North Yorkshire with one-to-one instrumental lessons, and provides music education to another 3,000 children through whole-class groups and ensembles.
Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, said:
“Music is at the heart of a school and all children and young people deserve equal opportunities and to experience the joy of music.
“Our aim is for music education to be open to everyone in all schools and communities in the county. We hope the access to free tuition creates many future talented musicians and supports pupils to develop their musical skills.”
The council also runs a weekend music centre in Harrogate, one of six across the county, offering lessons and ensemble experiences outside the school week. This provides even more opportunities for young people to explore their talents.
Louise Wilson, North Yorkshire Council’s assistant director for education and skills, said:
“Learning about music and having the opportunity to play musical instruments and make music together is uplifting and a vital part of a rich and rounded education.
“We are reaching 97 per cent of schools across North Yorkshire and York. This is above the national average for music hubs.
“We offer an instrumental hire service to schools and are planning several large projects next year including a special music day for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and a composition project with the English Chamber Orchestra.”
To find out more about instrumental and vocal tuition in Harrogate and beyond, visit: www.northyorks.gov.uk/musicservice
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