Lessons, orchestras, bands and choirs for all abilities
Surrey Arts, as part of Surrey County Council, has been providing music activities for young people across the county for over 60 years. Our service offers a wide range of services including music lessons for all abilities, music groups, instrument hire, inspirational events and much more. We also have a strong history of supporting musicians to enjoy successful careers in the music industry, with some now playing in orchestras around the world.
Benefits of learning music
Learning a musical instrument can play a key role in a child’s academic and social development. The benefits include:
- building self confidence
- increasing overall learning ability
- strengthening social skills
- developing patience and discipline
- improving movement and motor skills
Lessons
We provide lessons in over 200 schools and 11 out-of-school music centres in the evenings and at weekends. Lessons are available in a range of instruments including:
- strings
- brass
- percussion
- singing
- woodwind
- guitar
- drums
- music production
- DJing
Beginner students start their music journey in small groups, which is an affordable and fun way to start learning. Financial assistance is also available for eligible families, and we have an instrument store allowing students to hire, rather than buy an instrument.
To ensure all young people can access provision, we also launched a new Alternative Music Provision earlier this year for students outside formal education, to harness the power of music to support social outcomes alongside musical skills.
Here is some feedback from one of our customers:
'Both my children have music lessons with Surrey Arts. Their teacher is fantastic and music has become a huge part of their lives. They have made huge progress in their playing and have reached grade 6 and 8 in not too many years.'
Orchestras, bands and choirs
If you or your young person already play an instrument, they could join one of our 40 different music ensembles across the county. From wind bands, string groups, full orchestras, choirs and the award-winning inclusive orchestra Up!, there is something for all musicians, including adult groups. Most rehearse weekly and work towards a termly performance in venues across Surrey.
To gain an insight into our ensembles, watch the video from our recent Gala Concert at G Live in Guildford.
Register now
Register by visiting the Surrey Arts website or emailing surreyartsmusic@surreycc.gov.uk.
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