MK Music Service

MK Music Centre
Music classes and groups for children and adults in MK

General Info

Location: Community Learning MK – Music Faculty

Contact us by Email: music@milton-keynes.gov.uk

Opening hours: M-T 9am – 5pm | F: 9am – 4.30pm

Music Faculty Privacy Notice

Quick Info

Apply for Music Centre
If you would like to join a Music Centre group, please click here to complete an application form.

If you just want to do a trial initially, please click here to complete a trial form. (You will still need to complete an application form if you decide to continue).

Groups
Find out about evening and Saturday morning Music Centre and Ensembles.

Music Centre Timetable 2024-25

Rock School Timetable 2024-25

Fees and Charges
Use the links below to see a list of the groups available and the charges.

Music Centre Timetable 2024-25

Rock School Timetable 2024-25

Hire an instrument
Would you like your child to have the chance to learn a musical instrument but are not sure you want the initial expense of buying one?  The MK Music Faculty offers instrument hire with beginners in mind; it is flexible, excellent value and any pupil attending a school in Milton Keynes or attending Music Centre can apply.

Online Instrument Hire Application Form

Concerts
The Music Centre holds regular concerts offering pupils a chance to perform to parents and friends.  Additionally we attend many exciting events during the year, travelling to play in Music for Youth and the National Brass Band Championships amongst others.

Photo Policy for Music Centre Concerts

End of Term Concerts

Get your tickets here

Welcome to Music Centre!

Contact us for more information

Music Mark

#GetPlaying

Find out more …

Rock School

Highlight: MK Rock School

Venues

Most of our groups take place on a Saturday morning during term time at Shenley Brook End Secondary School.  The exceptions are Youth Orchestra which is at the City Church on a Friday and Rock School which is Monday and Wednesday at Stantonbury Campus.  Prevailing Wind (adult windband) rehearse on Wednesdays at Loughton Manor First School and Midsummer Players (Adult Orchestra) are on Mondays at Loughton Manor First School.

Activities

Music Explorers – Pre-school 
In this fun introduction to music, young children learn simple singing games and rhythmic patterns based on the Kodály method.  This is a wonderful way to introduce your child to music that helps them begin to develop their concept of pitch and pulse.  Children will respond to music through movement and can use a variety of untuned percussion instruments.  They learn how to take turns, play with control, start and stop and change the pace and dynamics of their sounds.
Music Makers – Reception
Children will build upon the range of songs and chants they can play and sing.  They learn to express themselves more confidently – alone and in groups – and enjoy games usings balls, hoops, puppets and scarves.  The children explore the musical elements of pitch, pace, dynamics, texture and timbre through tuned and un-tuned percussion, and create their own sequences of sounds and rhythmic phrases.  They also begin to ‘notate’ their ideas using simple written symbols.
Music Creators – Year 1

A dynamic group for younger  children who will sing, move and play percussion instruments.  The class will provide children with many of the skills they will need to learn to play an instrument.  They will develop their creative skills, their concept of pitch, pulse, rhythm and time-values and increase their knowledge of how music can be written down on paper.
‘Start’ groups – Year 2/3
Previous experience of learning an instrument is not necessary.  This weekly session includes keyboard, string, brass or woodwind tuition and musical theory, exploring their instrument and learning to play with fluency and confidence in a group.  After 1 year, pupils progress to invidual or small group lessons through MK Music Co-op and can then join one of our beginner ensembles.   
Start Strings – Year 2/3
This session includes tuition on a string instrument and musical theory.  Children will learn to hold the instrument with good posture, play with fluency and confidence, and play open strings using the bow. Once you have completed the year you will be ready to progress to individual or small group lessons through MK Music Co-op. 

Beginner Strings – Year 3+
For those having violin, viola or cello lessons who can confidently bow open strings.  You will do many of the things you do in your regular lessons, as well as practicing your music-reading ability.  This is a skill that will help you join the next group, Junior Strings.

Junior Strings – Grade 1-3
For those feeling confident with violin, viola or cello playing and music reading, come and join this fun string group.  You will work on the things you already do in your regular lessons with the added fun of learning to play in a group.

Intermediate Strings – Grade 3-5
Are you ready for the excitement of Intermediate Strings?  This dynamic group will enhance what you learn in your lessons while also developing your skill as an ensemble player.

String Orchestra – Grade 5+ (by audition)
This orchestra has enjoyed a great deal of success in recent years, including performances at the national festival ‘Music for Youth’ at The Royal Albert Hall.  Successful applicants will gain in orchestral experience and explore music from a wide-ranging repertoire.

Youth Orchestra – Grade 5+  (by audition)
For our most experienced and able students, this senior group will give you the platform to join together and create performances that truly inspire.  There is a strong emphasis on high quality music making and disciplined rehearsing on a Friday evening, but there is also some time for socialising with friends.  There will also be the opportunity to perform in local and national competitions such as ‘Music for Youth’ and ‘MK Festival of the Arts’.
Start Woodwind – Year 2-3
This session focusses on learning either the fife (small flute) or the Dood (which is a clarinet specially designed for young children).  Pupils will also learn basic music theory.  The instrument will be loaned free of charge for the year.  After one year, pupils will progress to individual or small group lessons at school or through the MK Music Co-op.
Beginner Windband – Year 3+
If you have been playing for a term, come along to this exciting group and experience what it feels like to play in a proper band.  Once you reach grade 1 standard you will be ready to move on to the next group.
Junior Windband – Grade 1-3
If you have played in our beginner wind band or can play a wind or brass instrument at grade 1 standard or above then come along and be part of this friendly group.  You will play a wide range of music that will help you grow in confidence as you experience a variety of musical styles.
Intermediate Windband – Grade 3-5
If you have played in our junior wind band or can play a wind or brass instrument at grade 3 or above, then it’s time to join this group and take your playing to the next level.  You will play a wide range of music to suit all tastes and make new friends.
Big Band – Grades 2-8
Would you love to play Jazz?  Do you love to improvise?  Our big band needs players like you!  If you play piano/keyboard, electric bass, double bass, trombone, clarinet, flute, trumpet or sax and are of grade 2-8 standard then come along and have a go!
Wind Orchestra – Grade 5+ (by audition)
Create high quality music from a wide variety of musical genres – from the dramatic to the intimate – with this senior Music Centre group.  Experience the excitement of playing with students who are as passionate about their music-making as you are.  There is a strong emphasis on high quality music making and disciplined rehearsing with the opportunity to perform in local and national competitions such as ‘Music for Youth’ and ‘MK Festival of the Arts’.
Youth Orchestra – Grade 5-8 (by audition)
For our most experienced and able students, this senior group will give you the platform to join together and create performances that truly inspire.  There is a strong emphasis on high quality music making and disciplined rehearsing on a Friday evening, but there is also some time for socialising with friends.  There will also be the opportunity to perform in local and national competitions such as ‘Music for Youth’ and ‘MK Festival of the Arts’.

Start Brass – Year 2/3
This group is suitable for children in years 2 & 3, who will learn musical skills through games, songs and some basic theory.  Children will start on the tenor horn, an ideal starter brass instrument for children of this age.  After one year, pupils will progress to individual or small group lessons at school or through the MK Music Co-op.
Beginner Windband – Year 3+
If you have been playing for a term, come along to this exciting group and experience what it feels like to play in a proper band.  Once you reach grade 1 standard you will be ready to move on to the next group.
Junior Windband – Grade 1-3
If you have played in our beginner wind band or can play a wind or brass instrument at grade 1 standard or above then come along and be part of this friendly group.  You will play a wide range of music that will help you grow in confidence as you experience a variety of musical styles.
Intermediate Windband – Grade 3-5
If you have played in our junior wind band or can play a wind or brass instrument at grade 3 or above, then it’s time to join this group and take your playing to the next level.  You will play a wide range of music to suit all tastes and make new friends.
Big Band – Grades 2-8
Would you love to play Jazz?  Do you love to improvise?  Our big band needs players like you!  If you play piano/keyboard, electric bass, double bass, trombone, clarinet, flute, trumpet or sax and are of grade 2-8 standard then come along and have a go!
Wind Orchestra – Grade 5+
Create high quality music from a wide variety of musical genres – from the dramatic to the intimate – with this senior Music Centre group.  Experience the excitement of playing with students who are as passionate about their music-making as you are.  There is a strong emphasis on high quality music making and disciplined rehearsing with the opportunity to perform in local and national competitions such as ‘Music for Youth’ and ‘MK Festival of the Arts’.
Youth Orchestra – Grade 5+ (by audition)
For our most experienced and able students, this senior group will give you the platform to join together and create performances that truly inspire.  There is a strong emphasis on high quality music making and disciplined rehearsing on a Friday evening, but there is also some time for socialising with friends.  There will also be the opportunity to perform in local and national competitions such as ‘Music for Youth’ and ‘MK Festival of the Arts’.

We would like to invite children, parents and carers to join our inclusive music sessions:  Aim: to provide an inclusive musical experience for children with additional needs and their parents/carers.

Session 1: Active Music Makers
Activities will include:
♪ Songs and chants ♪ moving to a beat, rhythm or phrase and exploring different aspects of music kinaesthetically, e.g. loud and quiet, short sounds and long sounds ♪ using specifically chosen instruments to play, explore and create (these might include percussion, keyboards and recorder)
♪ social games, such as passing, taking turns and working in pairs or small groups.

Session 2: Sensory Music Makers
♪ Initially the emphasis will be on exploring sounds using music applications on our IPads ♪ children can work individually with the parent/carer or in pairs/small groups ♪ some work may be done on a short performance to family, friends and other members of Music Centre.
Underlying Principles
We will:
♪ provide a safe space in which children of all abilities can explore, create and perform music
♪ plan a progressive and adaptable sequence of activities to suit every child in the group
♪ endeavour to make all children and their parents/carers feel part of MK Music Centre
♪ provide enough practical support plus a first aider on site to put parents/carers at their ease
♪ consider the social, personal and musical aspects of all activities and create opportunities for development

Creative Percussion – Years 3 – 6
If you’d like to try your hand at a variety of percussion instruments and are in Years 3 to 6 then come along to Creative Percussion. No experience required.
Beginner Windband – Year3+
If you have been playing for a term, come along to this exciting group and experience what it feels like to play in a proper band.  Once you reach grade 1 standard you will be ready to move on to the next group.
Junior Windband – Grade 1-3
If you have played in our beginner wind band or can play a wind or brass instrument at grade 1 standard or above then come along and be part of this friendly group.  You will play a wide range of music that will help you grow in confidence as you experience a variety of musical styles.
Intermediate Windband – Grade 3-5
If you have played in our junior wind band or can play a wind or brass instrument at grade 3 or above, then it’s time to join this group and take your playing to the next level.  You will play a wide range of music to suit all tastes and make new friends.
Big Band – Grades 2-8
Would you love to play Jazz?  Do you love to improvise?  Our big band needs players like you!  If you play piano/keyboard, electric bass, double bass, trombone, clarinet, flute, trumpet or sax and are of grade 2-8 standard then come along and have a go!
Wind Orchestra – Grade 5+ (by audition)
Create high quality music from a wide variety of musical genres – from the dramatic to the intimate – with this senior Music Centre group.  Experience the excitement of playing with students who are as passionate about their music-making as you are.  There is a strong emphasis on high quality music making and disciplined rehearsing with the opportunity to perform in local and national competitions such as ‘Music for Youth’ and ‘MK Festival of the Arts’.
Youth Orchestra – Grade 5+ (by audition)
For our most experienced and able students, this senior group will give you the platform to join together and create performances that truly inspire.  There is a strong emphasis on high quality music making and disciplined rehearsing on a Friday evening, but there is also some time for socialising with friends.  There will also be the opportunity to perform in local and national competitions such as ‘Music for Youth’ and ‘MK Festival of the Arts’.
Start Keyboards – Year 2-3 
This 1 hour weekly session includes keyboard tuition and musical theory.  Children will learn to play with fluency and confidence, they will explore the features of the instrument, learn to play chords with both hands independendly.  A keyboard will be provided for use in the lesson but it is advisable to buy one for children to practise at home. 
Beginner Keyboards – Year 3+
This group is ideal for you if you have been learning for about a term or if you have done whole class keyboard at school.  You need to be having lessons but if you are – come along and share in the excitement of playing in a large group.
Keyboard Ensemble – Grade 1+
This is a welcoming and fun group for students who are grade 1+.  You will play a variety of different genres of music and grown in confidence with playing keyboard.

Initial Choir – Year 3-5
Do you love to sing?  Then come along to Initial Choir and learn to sing your favourite songs with new friends.  This friendly choir is for everybody in Years 3 to 5 who wants to improve their vocal ability, while learning to sing well in a group.  Join in and experience the exhilaration of singing together.
Development Choir – Year 6+
Develop your musical and choral skills through rehearsing and performing a wide range of songs.  In this group you’ll learn vocal techniques to improve your singing ability.  There will be regular opportunities to perform for friends and family at our end of term concerts.

Beginner/Improvers – Guitar/Drums – Beginners/some experience

Intermediate – Guitar/Drums/Vocals – Competent players (beginner singers welcome)

Advanced – Guitar/Bass/Drums/Vocals – Intermediate/advanced players

Find out about MK Rock School …

Prevailing Wind (Windband) – Age 18+

Midsummer Players (Orchestra) – Age 18+

We run two adult Music groups at Music Centre, Adult Wind Band (Prevailing Wind) and Adult Orchestra (Midsummer Players).  Join one of our groups and put to rest any past regrets you may have felt about not keeping up with your musical studies.  You will also make new friends and enjoy mastering your instrument again.  Many studies have shown that making music together, not only makes you feel good but also offers a range of measurable health benegits.  So come along to one of our friendly sessions and experience for yourself how uplifting practicing and performing together can be.

Awards for Young Musicians

Congratulation to MK Music Centre violinist Maisie who is the beneficiary of a grant from the charity 'Awards for Young Musicians' https://www.a-y-m.org.uk/ This brilliant charity helps young musicians like Maisie with the cost of buying instruments and organises...

Needs Analysis Survey

The MK Music Service is asked to carry out a needs analysis every year which considers feedback from parents and other service users. If you are able to spend a couple of minutes filling in the online questionnaire about the MK Music Centre, that would be helpful for...

#GetPlaying

Music is great fun, but did you know it can also improve brain function, support wellbeing, and broaden horizons? Find out more at www.musicmark.org,uk/getplaying #GetPlaying At Milton Keynes Music Service, there are plenty of ways for children and young people to...

Changing Tracks

Our equality, diversity and inclusion work We all know that learning and making music can make a massive impact on young people. It can improve wellbeing, and has a wealth of benefits for their intellectual, personal and social development. But despite this, too many...

Autumn Term 2024

Group start dates

9 Sep – Weekday evening ensembles start (inc Rock School)

20 Sep – Friday evening ensembles start

21 Sep – Saturday  Music Centre starts

Group finish dates

Week of 2 Dec – Last weekday evening groups (inc Rock School)

6 Dec – Last Friday evening groups

7 Dec – Last Saturday Music Centre

Spring Term 2025

Group start dates

6 Jan – Weekday evening ensembles start (inc Rock School)

10 Jan – Friday evening ensembles start

11 Jan – Saturday Music Centre starts

Group finish dates

26 Mar – Last Prevailing Wind session of term

28 Mar – Last Friday evening groups

29 Mar – Last Saturday Music Centre

Week of 31 Mar – Last weekday evening groups (inc Rock School) except Prevailing Wind – see above

Summer Term 2025

Group start dates

23 Apr – Prevailing Wind Band starts

25 Apr – Friday evening ensembles start

26 Apr – Saturday Music Centre starts

28 Apr – Weekday evening ensembles start (inc Rock School)

Group finish dates

Week of 30 Jun – last Rock School sessions

30 Jun – Last Prevailing Wind session

2 July – Last Midsummer Players session

11 July – Last Friday evening groups

12 July – Last Saturday Music Centre

Get in touch

Milton Keynes Music Service
Community Learning MK 

Contact us by Email: music@milton-keynes.gov.uk

Opening hours: M-T: 9am - 5pm | F: 9am-4.30pm

MK Music Service Privacy Notice

MK Music Service Policies