Carlisle Music Centre

Carlisle Music Centre welcome all young musicians, whatever standard, giving you the opportunity to create and perform music as part of a group. Led by expert tutors from Cumbria Music Service and supported by funding from Cumbria Music Hub, we will work with you to improve your group playing and music reading skills in a fun, friendly and supportive environment.

We meet on Thursdays after school with a range of groups for young musicians in North Cumbria to play together regularly.

Groups

Carlisle Music Centre First Access

4.45-5.45pm (starting 9 June)

See what it’s like to work as a team, build your skills and confidence, and put what you've been learning in school into action as part of an end of term concert which will be open to parents and relatives. We will play everything from Film Music to Classical to Pop!

FREE for any String, Brass or Woodwind player currently taking part in a First Access class

Carlisle Junior Concert Band

4.45pm-5.45pm with Karen Tuffin

A fun beginner band for brass, woodwind and percussion players to gain the skills required when playing in a group environment. We play a variety of music and there are regular performance opportunities.

Beginner to Grade Two (First Access pupils and recent beginners welcome)

Carlisle Music Centre Strings

4.45-5.45pm with Katherine Bowness

An ensemble for string players of Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass and Harp. A fun and friendly ensemble to develop your skills playing in a group with music including classical, rock and pop.

Open to all levels (First Access pupils and recent beginners welcome)

Carlisle Music Centre Guitars

6.15-7.15pm with Nigel Murgatroyd

An Electric Guitar and Bass Guitar group playing rock and pop style pieces. A knowledge of chords and guitar tablature or notation is recommended but we also play by ear too.

Grade Three and above

Carlisle Youth Concert Band

6-8pm with Lyn Young & David McLeod

Carlisle Youth Concert Band welcomes the more experienced musician to enable us to perform at a higher level. We enjoy playing film, popular and jazz music as well as a more classical repertoire. From here there are opportunities to progress into the Cumbria Youth Orchestra.

Approximately Grade Three and above

Progression Routes

From our junior groups there are opportunities to progress into the Carlisle Youth Concert Band and Cumbria Youth Orchestra.

There are also a vast range of other Music Hub partner activities for you to join.

Membership Fees

We apply an annual membership fee for each Music Centre attended.
Children and young people can join as many groups as they wish within the Music Centre.
Fee remissions are available for eligible children.

Annual Membership:

£48.00 first child, £30.00 second child, £25.00 for third and subsequent children.

Fee Remissions:

Pupils in receipt of Free School Meals are entitled to a 50% discount on fees, while all Looked After Children can attend free of charge.

Payment:

We will take your payment for the Annual Fee via the Stripe Payment gateway. If you need an alternative way to pay, please contact us.

How to join

Apply Now

Apply via our online form.
Most of our ensembles welcome new players throughout the year.
Registration for Ensembles is renewed each academic year.

Your child can come along for a trial session if you are interested in joining our Ensembles. Please email us including which instruments your child plays and their current level, and we can arrange a session for you. If your child would then like to continue, please register using our online form.