Free tickets for York Symphony Orchestra concert
York Music Education is delighted to share a special opportunity for York Music Education students and their families, made possible through a partnership with the York Symphony Orchestra and the Friends of York Music Centre.
The Friends have generously purchased a limited number of tickets for the York Symphony Orchestra’s concert on Saturday 28 March, offering York Music Education students the chance to experience a high quality live orchestral performance in a professional concert hall setting at no cost.
Attending a full symphony orchestra concert can be an inspiring experience for young musicians, helping them connect what they learn in lessons, ensembles, and school based provision with the wider musical world.
Concert details
Saturday 28 March, 7.30pm
Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York
Programme:
Smetana – Má vlast: Vltava
Tchaikovsky – Violin Concerto (soloist: Will Clark)
Borodin – Symphony No. 2
Please note that this is a formal evening concert. Audience members are expected to sit quietly for up to an hour in each half, so the event may not be suitable for very young children. Where possible, families are encouraged to bring as many children as adults.
How to request tickets
Tickets are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
To request tickets, please email Mary Luker at:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Our thanks go to the Friends of York Music Centre and York Symphony Orchestra for supporting young musicians across York and helping make this opportunity available to York Music Education students and families.
Welcome Back – Spring Term Begins
We would like to wish all our students, families, schools and tutors a very happy New Year.
York Music Centre resumes this week, with sessions restarting at normal times on Wednesday 7 January and Saturday 10 January.
Whole Class Ensemble Teaching and individual instrumental tuition in schools also resume this week.
Looking ahead this term
We are particularly excited to be preparing for a major collaborative performance later in the spring.
The York Youth Orchestra will be performing in Malton at the Milton Rooms, joined by dancers from Kirkham Henry Performing Arts. This promises to be a vibrant celebration of music and dance, bringing together young performers from across the region.
The programme will include Federico Pendenza performing Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, alongside a full ballet set to the music of The Three Cornered Hat. It is a wonderful example of collaboration between music and performing arts organisations, and an exciting way to underscore the start of a new chapter for the Music Hub across York and North Yorkshire, under the leadership of North Yorkshire Music Service and North Yorkshire Council.
We look forward to sharing more details soon.
YME Tutors Contribute to New Bloomsbury Publication on Instrumental Music Education
York Music Education is delighted to share that several of our tutors have contributed to a major new publication from Bloomsbury, Instrumental Music Education: Critical Perspectives on Secondary-level Sound Curricula.
The book brings together leading practitioners, researchers, and performers from across the UK, exploring contemporary approaches to instrumental learning and the role of music in young people’s lives. We are proud that three members of the YME team are included among the contributors:
-
Alexis Cairns – woodwind specialist and long-standing YME tutor
-
Nina Kumin – violinist, ensemble director, and Whole Class Instrumental Teaching lead
-
Federico Pendenza – guitarist, composer, and upcoming soloist in York Youth Orchestra’s March concert, where he will perform Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez
We are also pleased to see contributions from Jenni Cohen, who leads I Can Play! at York Music Centre, and other musical colleagues connected with the wider York community.
Their involvement reflects the depth of expertise and creative energy within our teaching team. It also highlights the influence York musicians continue to have on national conversations about music education, pedagogy, and inclusive practice.
Copies of the book are available directly from Bloomsbury:
https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/instrumental-music-education-9781350408890/
We will share further updates as several of our contributors prepare for performances and projects later this year — including Federico’s appearance with York Youth Orchestra in Malton March 2026.
York Music Education Supports New Grassroots Music Space at Door 84
York Music Education is delighted to support the creation of a new grassroots music space at Door 84, providing young people in York with access to rehearsal equipment and hands-on opportunities to develop their musical and technical skills.
Working with Tim Brooks and Lisa Green, we have loaned a range of music equipment – including amplifiers and a drum kit – to help bring this exciting project to life.
Lisa Green from Door 84 explains:
“The plan is to create a grassroots music space for young people to have rehearsal space, listen to music, and learn about the technical aspects of setting up the equipment. Now that The Jam Factory has closed and music venues are under threat or already closed, it would be beneficial to have a central space that supports young people with access to equipment and offers opportunities for open mic nights.”
York Music Education has worked with Door 84 and the former Jam Factory over many years to provide inclusive opportunities for young people to explore music. This latest collaboration builds on that history and continues our shared commitment to nurturing York’s next generation of musicians.
Free Tickets for York Symphony Orchestra Concert – Sunday 14 December
The Friends of York Music Centre have generously purchased a limited number of tickets for the York Symphony Orchestra concert on Sunday 14 December at the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York.
These tickets are free to Music Centre families, and we’d love as many of our students as possible to experience this fantastic live orchestral performance. We simply ask, where possible, that you bring as many children as you do adults — a great opportunity to inspire our young musicians!
Please note, this is a formal concert, and all children attending should be able to sit quietly for up to an hour in each half of the performance, so it may not be suitable for very young children.
Programme:
-
Elgar – Cockaigne Overture
-
Sibelius – Karelia Suite
-
Vaughan Williams – Symphony No. 2 (London)
Sunday 14 December, 7.30pm
Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York
If you would like tickets, please get in touch — they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Continuing Support for Young Musicians
York Music Education CIC (YME) would like to reassure families that all lessons, ensembles and instrument hire arrangements are continuing as normal while we work with North Yorkshire Council (NYC) to confirm bursary allocations for the current academic year.
Each week, YME provides music tuition, ensemble opportunities and affordable instrument hire to more than 450 children and young people across York, many of whom receive financial support to help them take part.
“We’re aware that some families are waiting for confirmation of bursary support, and we want to assure them that lessons, ensembles and hire arrangements are continuing in the meantime,” said Dan Hield, Director of York Music Education CIC. “We’re working closely with colleagues at North Yorkshire Council to ensure there is clarity and fairness for all who need assistance.”
YME remains committed to inclusive music education and to ensuring that cost is never a barrier to participation.
For any questions about lessons, ensembles or instrument hire, please contact:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Music Centre Returns This September
We’re excited to welcome everyone back to York Music Centre for the autumn term!
Wednesday sessions resume: 10th September 2025
Saturday sessions resume: 13th September 2025
Whether you're continuing from last year or joining us for the first time, we can’t wait to make music together again. All groups will restart as normal, and new members are always welcome — just get in touch if you’d like to find out more.
July Fun Day Hits All the Right Notes!
Our Music Centre Fun Day in July 2025 was a joyful way to round off the summer term — full of sunshine, smiles, and spectacular music-making!
Highlights included:
-
Performances from ensembles throughout the morning, showcasing the talent and progress of our students
-
A brilliant joint Big Band made up of students and adults, led with energy and flair by Christian
-
A charming contribution from the Adult & Parent Recorder Ensemble, adding elegance to the day’s programme
Thanks to the Friends of York Music Centre, everyone enjoyed free ice creams and hot dogs — and our most successful fundraiser ever: Wet Sponge Throwing at the staff! (Students were very enthusiastic about that one...)
It was a fabulous celebration of community, music and laughter. Thank you to everyone who made it so special.
Folkestra Lakes Residential – A Huge Success!
In July, our Folkestra ensemble enjoyed an unforgettable three-day residential in the Lake District, filled with music, outdoor adventure and fantastic memories.
Performances took place at:
-
Settle Market Place
-
Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
-
Bowness Bandstand, on the shores of Lake Windermere
Students also took part in caving, canoeing, and team-building activities led by Real Adventure, with delicious food, fireside chats, and stunning views.
A huge thank you to Angus Williams and Sarah Loughran for accompanying the trip and caring for the group with such enthusiasm and dedication.
