South Yorkshire Music Hub: A Regional Collaboration Supporting Thousands of Young People

At Sheffield Music Hub we are proud to be the lead delivery partner in Sheffield, for the South Yorkshire Music Hub. We work alongside the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Barnsley Music Service, Rotherham Music Hub, Doncaster Music Hub, and Darts to deliver high-quality music education across the region.

Ian Naylor, Head of Music Education Sheffield said: “Our growing partnership with our colleagues in South Yorkshire is already starting to improve musical opportunities for children and young people in our region. Our newly appointed lead schools are helping to raise the quality of provision in schools, while also showcasing the fantastic work already taking place. Our staff collaborate across the region and are actively exploring how we smash down barriers to music through our inclusion network. At the same time, we’re securing much-needed additional funding to support projects across South Yorkshire. There’s still plenty of work ahead, but these early steps—built on collaboration and trust—are looking extremely positive indeed.”

Together, this collaborative network is making a significant impact on the lives of children and young people. Take a look at some of the stats here:

• 146 highly skilled music education tutors employed across South Yorkshire
• Delivering Music Education to 500+ schools and colleges
• Over 21,000 children and young people engaged in weekly lessons and music groups
• 1,100+ young people participating in out-of-school groups, bands, and orchestras
• 75+ out-of-school music groups available for children and young people
• 25,000+ musical instruments loaned, to children and young people
• Supported by a £600,000 capital grant to refresh and expand the instrument stock
• 150+ hours of CPD delivered to support and develop the teaching workforce
• 300+ events and performances held across the region each year
• Annual South Yorkshire Music Hub Conference for staff and partners
• £1.9 million in funding granted from Arts Council England
• 30+ partner organisations contributing to a rich and diverse offer
• 9 new lead schools for music supporting local delivery and innovation

This partnership ensures that children and young people across South Yorkshire have access to inclusive, inspiring, and high-quality music education—both in and out of school.