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 First Access Summer Groups
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!
We'll play everything from Film Music to Classical and Pop.
No previous experience of playing in group is needed.
You must have an instrument from your First Access class.
We need your online registration, which includes emergency contact information, before you join.
Students are signed in at the start of each session and released at the end once an appropriate adult arrives to pick them up. If you would like your child to walk home on their own we will need to know this in advance.
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

Trinity School
CA1 1JB
(Entry by door in car park to left of main entrance)
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 via our online form.
- Most of our ensembles welcome new players throughout the year.
- Registration for Ensembles is renewed each academic year.
FAQs
Where can I find out more information? Telephone: 01228 226846