Governance & Values
York Music Education CIC is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company committed to providing high-quality, inclusive music education across York and surrounding areas. We operate independently, but in close collaboration with schools, families, cultural partners and funding bodies.
As a CIC, we are guided by a clear mission to reinvest in our community. We are governed by the regulations and oversight of the CIC Regulator and follow robust safeguarding, equality and sustainability policies. We report annually on our activities, impact and use of funds, ensuring public benefit remains at the heart of what we do. We are accountable to our funders and report transparently on the finances and outcomes of each project we undertake.
We are also proud to be associated with the Musicians' Union, maintaining open and regular dialogue with them to support high standards in music education and employment practice.
Our values are central to everything we do:
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Inclusivity – We believe every child should have the opportunity to make music, regardless of background or ability.
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Excellence – We are committed to the highest standards in teaching, ensemble direction and musical outcomes.
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Creativity – We nurture originality and encourage young people to explore, create and perform.
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Collaboration – We thrive on partnerships and shared learning with families, schools, and arts organisations.
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Sustainability – We are committed to long-term impact and responsible use of resources.
Charity and Community Impact
Although York Music Education CIC is not a registered charity itself, we are supported by Friends of York Music Centre, a registered charity established to help ensure that no child misses out on music due to cost.
Together, we provide:
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Bursaries and Fee Remission – Supporting families facing financial difficulty with free or discounted ensemble membership and instrument hire.
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Instrument Recycling and Repair – Maintaining a stock of loan instruments, donated by the community and expanded over time.
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Sheet Music Exchange – Managed by our charity, this initiative allows families and tutors to share music resources for a small donation.
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Volunteer Support – Parents, students and community members play an active role in our concerts, fundraising, and social events.
We are proud to have:
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Reinvested tens of thousands of pounds of community donations and self-generated income directly into local music education
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Created accessible routes into music for hundreds of young people
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Received a York Cultural Award in 2017 for our city-wide Big Sing project
We believe music education should be a shared endeavour that enriches the whole community – and we are grateful for the ongoing support of all who make that possible.
