News
Book your music services for 2025-26
Request deadline: Friday 04 April 2025
We are delighted to launch our HMS Services for Schools brochure for 2025-26.
- Details of all the services we can offer your school next year are available in the online brochure.
- Deadline for requesting services next year is Friday 4 April 2025. Book services here.
- Some of our services are subsidised using DfE and Arts Council England funding for Music Hubs.
- To access any subsidised services, including Sing Up, Charanga and First Access, we must have your request no later than Friday 4 April 2025.
- You can still request and book services after the deadline, however subsidised services will be charged at full cost.
Our regional teams will be on hand all this term to advise on any aspects of our service and help you with your request. Regional Manager contact details can be found here.
Lead schools for music
Application deadline Friday 14 February 2025
As part of the National Plan for Music Education, the DfE would like HMS “to support stronger links between local schools and academy trusts, and broker opportunities for peer-to-peer learning”.
To do this, HMS will appoint a network of Lead Schools, designed to drive continuous support and improvement of school music by embedding schools within the Music Hub, not only as customers of the Hub, but as co-creators and delivery partners for elements of its work.
HMS has allocated some funding to support this network of Lead Schools and the application deadline is Friday 14 February 2025. The full details are available online here: , and a video guide is available too. If you have questions please contact Christina Luchies who is our Head of Participation and School Music by email: christina.luchies@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
GCSE music concert
Date: 31 March 2025, 1:00 – 2:30pm at the Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
Following great feedback about the events in 2023 and 2024, the HMS GCSE music concert is back with our host Patrick Bailey and our band of musicians and soloists. Patrick will guide students through the different components of the GCSE music exam with interactive and bespoke music for the event.
Music will include Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 and Badinerie by Bach, Symphony No. 1 by Beethoven, Steve Reich’s Clapping Music, Defying Gravity from Wicked, music for TV screened with live music and a new composition created from musical ideas sent in by your students.
The venue is the Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage, England, SG1 1LZ – accessible by train or bus/coach.
Aimed at GCSE students as well as those considering studying the course in Y9, your students will be able to enjoy professional performances of some of the GCSE set works as well as the chance to submit a short musical motif or idea in advance which will be turned into a full GCSE music composition – performed by the musicians.
To purchase tickets, please visit GCSE Music Concert 2025.
Hertfordshire Schools' Gala tickets
For parents/carers looking to attend the upcoming Gala, ticket availability is very limited.
A small number of debenture returned tickets will be made available in February by Hertfordshire Music Service for purchase online as and when they are released: www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk/HMSGala.
Parents/carers can sign up to receive email notifications about tickets going on sale through the RAH Box Office and HMS debenture returns. Please note that signing up for the ticket notification emails does not guarantee a ticket for the Gala; it only serves as a reminder for those who are interested in purchasing tickets.
School support and CPD
For a full list of CPD from Herts Music Service as well as our partners, please visit the school music development toolkit page for details of all the available events: School support - CPD. Some of the key sessions this autumn are summarised below.
Early morning school music drop-in sessions
These sessions are designed specifically for music leads and teachers to network, share ideas, and ask questions in a supportive and collaborative environment.
When and where: First Thursday of every month, 8:00 - 8:30am on MS Teams (no booking required).
When and where
Every first Thursday of the month, 8.00am - 8.30am (no booking required).
MS Teams link
Meeting ID: 369 189 446 924
Passcode: 4yU7Ch
Join us!
Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on this exciting new initiative. For more information, please contact Christina.Luchies@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Music support networks available
To support your school, HMS is hosting a series of networks to bring teachers from similar schools together. Click on the relevant options below to join colleagues in learning new skills and finding solutions to challenges – all fully funded!
Register your interest to become part of the Hertfordshire SEND School Music Network
Register your interest to become part of the Hertfordshire Primary School Music Network
Register your interest to become part of the Hertfordshire Secondary School Music Network
Events and opportunities
No national events and opportunities available this term - check out your regional opportunities below.
Local updates
We manage our relationship with schools through a team of six Regional Managers. Each ‘region’ has a Regional Manager who is supported by a team of teaching specialists and support staff to understand local needs and create relevant events and opportunities for your students to participate in musical activities.
You can find the contact details for your Regional Manager here by clicking on ‘Contacts for schools – Regional Managers’.
Find out about recent events and future opportunities in your area by selecting the region your school is in.
North Herts and Stevenage
Our Sing Make Play Music Safari (KS1) and Music Explorers (KS2) have now started at our centres. These one-hour sessions allow pupils to explore general musical skills through singing, musical activities and games.
Stevenage Music Centre:
Music Safari - Saturday 9.00am - 10.00am
Music Explorers - Saturday 10.15 - 11.15am
North Herts Music School, Hitchin:
Music Safari - Thursdays 4.00pm - 5.00pm
Music Explorers - Thursdays 4.00pm-5.00pm - starting 24 April 2025
Royston Music School:
Music Safari - Tuesdays 3:45pm-4:45pm
Join an ensemble or music group
Steel pans
If you've always fancied playing Steel Pans, the Stevenage Music Centre is the place to go! Our beginner sessions are on Tuesdays 7.00pm - 8.00pm - no previous experience is needed. Suitable for all ages 7+.
Email stevenagemusicenquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk to register your interest.
ChoirKidz
Do you have a budding singer in your school? Then we have a choir for you!
ChoirKidz is at Royston Music School (Tuesdays 3.45 - 4.45) and at North Herts Music School in Hitchin (Saturdays 10.45 - 11.45). Aimed a pupils aged between 6 -12yrs old, these fun sessions explore all genres of singing styles.
Let's Sing! at Stevenage Music centre (Saturdays 11:30 - 12:30). Aimed at pupils aged 6-12yrs old, this choir performs extensively in the local area.
Ensemble membership offer
If you join two or more weekly music activities, you could benefit from our Ensemble Membership offer. For £109 per term, you can attend as many ensembles as you like at any centre in the county! So, you could be in a choir, a percussion ensemble, a wind band and steel pans group - all for £109 a term.
Music making days
We will be holding several music making days aimed at primary school pupils at Stevenage Music centre this term.
Thursday 13 March - Primary strings day. From open strings to grade 4, any primary school aged pupil is welcome on this day. You will be placed in an ensemble suitable for your ability and the day will consist of playing in a large ensemble, musical games and singing sessions.
The day will end with a concert for parents and carers.
To register your interest please email stevenagemusicenquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Thursday 20 March - Primary wind band day. If you can blow three notes or 30 then this is the day for you. Led by a Classic FM Teacher of the Year award winner, this is going to be fun packed day for wind and brass players. Also limited space for percussionists.
The day will end with a concert for parents and carers.
To register your interest please email stevenagemusicenquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Thursday 27 March - music making day. This one-day course is aimed at pupils who have had no formal musical training and would like to explore music through percussion. No ability to read music is necessary - just a willingness to have fun and make some noise!
The day will end with a concert for parents and carers.
To register your interest please email stevenagemusicenquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk
East Herts and Broxbourne
East Herts Music Centre based at The Broxbourne School, Badgers Walk, Broxbourne, EN10 7FU.
E-Mail: easthertsmusic@hertfordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01992 556698
Have a go sessions
- Friday 14 March 5.00pm – 6.30pm
Five notes or more band practice on any instrument. All students welcome.
E-mail: easthertsmusic@hertfordshire.gov.uk for further information or to book a place.
Concerts
- Friday 21 March 6.00pm - 7.30pm venue and times to be confirmed (see East Herts Music Centre website).
Performances by East Herts Youth and junior orchestras.
To book a place please e-mail easthertsmusic@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
- Saturday 29 March 10.30am - 11.00am in the Broxbourne School Hall; times to be confirmed (see East Herts Music Centre website).
Performances by Saturday morning groups: recorder groups, junior music group, junior and senior choir.
To book a place please e-mail easthertsmusic@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
Bishop’s Stortford Music Centre based at Birchwood High School, Parsonage Lane, Bishop's Stortford, Herts, CM23 5BD.
E-mail: bstortfordmusicenquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01992 556752 or 01992 555532
Have a go sessions
- Friday 14 March 5.00pm – 6.30pm
Five notes or more band practice on any instrument. All students welcome.
E-mail: bstortfordmusicenquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk or Tel: 01992 556752 or 01992 555532 for any enquiries.
Concerts
- Friday 28 March 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Performances by the junior orchestra, brass ensemble and soloists who attend BSMC.
Please e-mail bstortfordmusicenquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk for any enquiries.
- Saturday 29 March 11:00am – 12.00pm
Performances by ensembles at the music centre: 'Sing, Make, Play', wind band, string ensemble, orchestra and soloists who attend BSMC.
Please e-mail bstortfordmusicenquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk for any enquiries.
Mid & South Herts: St Albans, Welwyn, Hatfield & Hertsmere
Events in your area for your children
Looking for fun and educational activities for your children?
Check out these exciting events happening in our region! From music groups for toddlers to community ensembles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on these fantastic opportunities to explore, learn, and have fun!
St Albans Music School
We are excited to announce that Philomusica will be holding open auditions for new members on Tuesday, 4 February, 6.00pm – 8.00pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to experience the joy of playing in an orchestra and to showcase their musical talents.
The auditions are open to all secondary age pupils of orchestral instruments grade 5 and above who are interested in joining the orchestra.
Details of the Auditions:
- Date: Tuesday 4 February
- Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm
- Location: St Albans Music School, High Oaks, St Albans, AL3 6DR. Please come to reception to sign in.
- Repertoire: Hamish MacCunn The Land of the Mountain and the Flood
To attend, please email StAlbansMusicEnquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Mid Herts Music Centre
Sing Make Play - Early Years 0-3!
We are thrilled to announce that the launch of Sing Make Play has been successful at Mid Herts. You can now sign up for a block of sessions at a discount, or pay per session.
This group is designed to foster early communication skills through music. Children will explore:
- Friendly musical environment for new parents & carers
- Fun, confidence building community
- Starting music early helps develop speech, language & gross motor skills
- Live music making
- Sensory musical play
- Facilitated by experienced musicians
- The session is at 10.00 - 11.00am with tea & coffee time included
We look forward to seeing you and your little ones there! To attend, please email MidHertsMusicEnquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk
South Herts Music Centre
Ukulele club is a group at South Herts Music Centre (based at Cuffley Primary School) designed for young musicians to enjoy playing the ukulele together in an ensemble setting.
Open to all children aged 6 to 11. Parents are encouraged to join in! Places are limited and on a first come, first served basis.
Contact us now to arrange free trial sessions on 1st and 8th February 2025 - SouthHertsMusicEnquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Concerts
- Chamber concert on Saturday 8 February, starting at 10.15am at Mid Herts Music Centre.
- Windband concert on Thursday 27 March, starting at 7.00pm at Mid Herts Music Centre.
- Suzuki concert on Thursday 27 March at St Albans Music School.
- Joint Jazz event on Tuesday 1 April in the hall, 6.00pm - 9.00pm at St Albans Music School.
- Spring concert on Saturday 22 March at South Herts Music Centre
West Herts: Watford & Three Rivers and Dacorum
In West Herts this term the team are really enjoying visiting schools and chatting with music leads to see how we can support you better.
If you would like a school visit please do get in touch and either myself, Kelly Simspson or Mark Taylor (Regional Music Development Leads) can pop in – we do really enjoy joining a music assembly too!
As well as visiting you, we have some familiar music making days this term and the introduction of our new half term course ‘Half Term Havoc’ for KS2 budding young Rock Stars. Do look out for some upcoming leaflets.
Dacorum Music School
- Sunday 8 February – KS2 guitar get together
- Thursday 27 March – KS2 wind band day
Watford School Of Music
- Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 February – KS2 'Half Term Havoc'
- Friday 7 March – KS2 brass day
As well as these events we have a fantastic cross curricular workshop ‘WOOFYT’ where we bring together science, technology and engineering to show connections that can be formed.
The WOOFYT makes these connections visible and audible, linking music in a simple and direct way with the physics of fluids and the technology of pumps and valves.
This 75-minute workshop is running for two days offering six workshops for any school class to join. Please do look out for letters coming out very soon. This workshop is part funded by The Institute of Physics, ACE, our local partner Music at St Johns and there is a small cost of £30 per class too to those booking on.
Music week
Would you like a full day djembe workshop with our regional team?
If so – we have just the workshop for you! We can offer a one-day workshop (Fridays) for your school and can offer a tailored day for you. Sessions would be for one class at a time, and can be up to 30 mins for EYFS and KS1, 45 mins for Y3 and Y4 and one hour for Y5 and Y6.
These workshops are chargeable and a great way to engage the whole school where we consider culture, history, team building, musical skills and so much more. Please do get in touch if you would like to know more: nyreeobrien@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Lastly, as we look ahead please do keep an eye out for some of our events in the summer term as part of our West Festival where we share with you many workshops and concerts around the region giving our young musicians the chance to develop their skills in workshops and showcase their talents in venues across West Herts.
Partner updates and resources
We work with a wide range of partners to bring a diverse range of musical opportunities to Hertfordshire schools. This includes both national and local partners to ensure that local needs are met whilst ensuring opportunities across the country and beyond are available to students at your school.
Useful resources, publications and organisations
As part of the HMS curriculum music toolkit, we have collated a range of resources and links to publications and organisations that could help your school become more musical. Click here to view the resources.
Students and families can apply for funding for music with Young Sounds UK
You can apply if:
- Your child is aged between 5 – 17 years old
- Your child is an instrumentalist, composer, producer, singer or song-writer.
- Your family are on a lower income.
- You're eligible if the total income of any parents/carers in your home is less than £30,000 a year.
- You may be eligible if it's between £30,000 - £40,000 a year.
- It's unlikely you'll be eligible if it's above £40,000 a year.
Click here for more information!
Music Mark: Schools programme access available via HMS
By engaging with HMS in a music review process, you can unlock fully funded access to the Music Mark schools programme. Click here for more details.
Pictures sourced and used from Unsplash - Beautiful Free Images & Pictures | Unsplash.