York Music Education CIC is proud to lead and support a wide range of creative music projects that bring children and young people together to compose, perform, and explore new ideas through music.

We work closely with schools, ensembles, artists, venues, and cultural organisations to ensure that young musicians in York have access to inspiring opportunities beyond weekly lessons.

The Snowman Project

Each year, students from local primary schools collaborate with York Youth Orchestra to perform a live score of The Snowman alongside a screening of the film. It’s a magical introduction to orchestral music for young audiences and performers alike — and an unforgettable moment for families.

In 2024, pupils from Knavesmire Primary, Dringhouses Primary, and Staynor Hall Community Primary Academy took part in this project, reflecting our strong commitment to community outreach and school engagement across the region.

Compose and Perform with Late Music

Since 2012, we’ve partnered with Late Music and local composers to give students the opportunity to create original music and perform it live. These projects celebrate student voice, encourage creative risk-taking, and develop skills in musical structure, notation, and ensemble work.

In 2025, pupils from Wigginton Primary School and St George’s RC Primary School took part, showcasing the creativity and imagination of young musicians from different parts of the city.

Late Music Project (2023)

In summer 2023, we collaborated with Late Music, Chapter House Youth Choir, and pupils from St Aelred’s and Osbaldwick Primary School on a creative composition project titled Miniatures. Working alongside composer David Lancaster, students created and performed a series of short, original pieces inspired by themes of environment and place.

The project culminated in a live performance featuring the children and members of Chapter House Youth Choir, supported by York Music Education tutors. The experience gave young people a unique opportunity to compose collaboratively, explore contemporary music-making, and perform in a professional setting.

Guitar Masterclass with Marisa Sardo (March 2025)

In March 2025, we were delighted to host a special Guitar Masterclass at York Music Centre with internationally acclaimed classical guitarist Marisa Sardo.

Marisa is an award-winning soloist who has performed at some of Europe’s most prestigious venues, including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the Mozarteum University in Salzburg. This rare opportunity allowed our students to learn directly from a world-class musician in an inspiring and supportive setting.

The morning included:

• A performance by the York Music Centre Guitar Ensemble

• Two students receiving a one-to-one masterclass with Marisa

• A solo recital by Marisa Sardo

The event was open to all YME guitar students, regardless of experience level, and offered a rich blend of performance, coaching, and inspiration. Parents were also warmly welcomed to attend and celebrate the students’ progress and passion.

This project reflects our commitment to providing high-quality musical opportunities and bringing internationally respected artists into the heart of our community

Film Music with York St John University

In partnership with York St John University and the Yorkshire Film Archive, our senior ensembles have worked with PhD students to compose and perform new scores for archive footage. These projects support musical and film literacy and build confidence in collaborative composition.

Big Sings and Cultural Awards

Our Big Sing choral projects have brought hundreds of children together to sing specially arranged songs in massed performances at iconic York venues. This work was recognised by the York Cultural Awards for its impact on schools and community participation.

Minster Minstrels & I Can Play!

In partnership with the National Centre for Early Music (NCEM), we support creative ensemble pathways like Minster Minstrels, and inclusive music sessions like I Can Play!, designed specifically for D/deaf children and young people.

 

York Proms

Our ensembles have performed at the York Proms on multiple occasions — a prestigious outdoor event held in the Museum Gardens that brings thousands of people together to enjoy live music in a festival atmosphere. This opportunity gives students a professional stage experience in the heart of the city.

Singing for the Community

Our students visit residential care homes and community settings — especially around Christmas — to share music and bring joy to older generations. These intergenerational performances are deeply valued by participants and audiences alike, building empathy, confidence and a real sense of connection across age groups.

Best of the Bands

York Music Education is proud to have created and run the hugely successful Best of the Bands concert at the Grand Opera House — a highlight of the city’s youth music calendar for many years, selling out year after year. The most recent event took place in 2018, and we hope to bring it back in future with renewed funding and support.

The original concept was developed by Tim Brooks, a former Director of York Music Education, whose passion and vision made the project such a success. Now retired, we hope Tim will return to help shape the next chapter of Best of the Bands — giving a new generation of young musicians the opportunity to take centre stage.

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