MK Music Hub

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. THIS GROUP IS CURRENTLY FULL.
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.
Endangered French Horn – Any
A special one year project for more unusual instruments.
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.
Double Reed Ensemble – Grades 3-8
If you love playing the oboe or bassoon in your lessons, come along and meet other enthusiastic double reed players in this group.  You will perform challenging and exciting works from a variety of musical styles.  You will also develop the skills needed to perform in a group environment of musical excellence.
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 5-8 (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’.

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

Start Keyboards – Year 2-3 (CURRENTLY FULL)
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. (START KEYBOARD CURRENTLY FULL)
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+ (CURRENTLY FULL)
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.

Beginner Choir – Year 3-5
Do you love to sing?  Then come along to Junior 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.
Junior 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.