Learn To Play 2026 - FREE Music/Instrument Taster Day!

Saturday 10th October Learn to Play, FREE Taster Music Day!

For the third year running we are taking part in Music for All’s Learn to Play! We are offering young musicians from across all of Sheffield and South Yorkshire the chance to join us for FREE music taster lessons and "Give it a Go Instrument Stalls" on a variety of instruments.

Sign up for your FREE Lessons and/or Taster Sessions here!

Deadline to Apply: Wednesday 7th October, 5pm

If you miss the deadline or if your young person doesn't know what they would like to play, you can simply pop in to "Give it a Go". We will have stalls set up for these instruments: Acoustic Guitar, Cello, Clarinet, Cornet, Electric Guitar, Euphonium, Flute, French Horn, Piano/Keyboard, Recorder, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Violin.

On Saturday 10th October, 10am - 4pm we’ll be offering:

• FREE bespoke instrumental lessons with our expert teachers
• Brass, guitar, percussion, woodwind, and strings “Give it a Go” stalls where you can try out a variety of instruments
• FREE taster sessions, such as a choir taster session and Let's Make Music taster session for your youngest musicians (4 - 7)

Where

To find RedTape please search Red Tape Central in google maps. Since the entrance is located on Shoreham street (a busy dual carriageway), it can be hard to find the way so please use this video to help you find the way in. It also introduces you to some of our Junior Ambassadors for Music (JAMs). Please don't search Red Tape Studios as this takes you to a different building further down the road. Full address below.

• Red Tape Central: 50 Shoreham St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 4SP

How to take part

We are offering FREE 20-minute instrumental lessons so that your young person can get a bespoke taste of what it is like to learn an instrument with one of our expert teachers.

These instruments are available for taster lessons: Acoustic Guitar, Bassoon, Cello, Clarinet, Cornet, Double Bass, Electric Guitar, Euphonium/Baritone, Flute, Piano/Keyboard, Recorder, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Violin

We also have a selection of FREE taster sessions so that your young people can get a taste of learning music as part of a group.

10am - 10:45am Mini Music Makers Taster Session (Ages 4-7)

Led by Suzanne Hobbs, Mini Music Makers is a fun, informal music group. It is usually for 5–7 year olds but for this session we are welcoming 4-7 year olds so that your young person can get a taste of what it is like to be a part of the group. We enjoy games, sing songs, play percussion instruments and listen to music as well as creating our own.  This helps us to learn how to read rhythms and keep a steady pulse, how to read simple musical notes and how to play music in a group with others. All this will help us if we take up a musical instrument when we are older! Come and join our relaxed and friendly group and start a lifelong love of music!

11am - 12pm Mini Voices Choir Taster Session (Years 1-2)

Led by Cathy Bennett, this fun, inclusive choir is for our youngest singers. It is a great chance to learn songs, make friends, and enjoy music.

1pm - 2pm Samba Music Taster Session (Years 3 - 13)

Led by Dan Johnston, our samba band is a very fun and welcoming band, and everyone plays drums, so they’re nice and noisy! (We provide ear defenders). There are lots of different types of drums, ranging from small ones for little people to really big ones for big people! And the parts, or rhythms that we play, range from very easy to quite complicated. There’s something for everyone at Samba band!

Would you just like to turn up?

If your young person doesn't know what they would like to play, or would like to have a go on other instruments you can simply pop in to "Give it a Go". We will have stalls set up for these instruments: Acoustic Guitar, Cello, Clarinet, Cornet, Electric Guitar, Euphonium, Flute, French Horn, Piano/Keyboard, Recorder, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Violin.

Why we are taking part in Learn to Play 2026

Ian Naylor, Head of Music Education Sheffield said: “Learn to Play is becoming an increasingly important part of what we offer at Sheffield Music Hub.  We want as many young people as possible to experience unique joys and benefits of learning an instrument and Learn to Play gives us a fantastic opportunity to introduce music-making to more young people. The event offers a rare opportunity for children and young people to try a wide range of instruments completely free of charge. It's difficult to know which instrument is right for you without having the chance to explore different options, and many young people may discover an instrument they had never previously considered. Learn to Play also gives children the chance to experience a one-to-one lesson with one of our teachers. For some young people, the idea of learning an instrument can feel quite daunting, but these free taster sessions help show just how welcoming, enjoyable and supportive music lessons can be."

About our partner Music for All

Music for All is a UK charity that aims to inspire and enable both new and returning music makers to enjoy the many benefits of making music. It connects music providers across the country—from community groups to music teachers—through shared celebration.

Music for All supports equal access to music making and provides grants and instruments to disadvantaged individuals, educators, and community projects throughout the year. The Learn to Play 2025 event is generously supported by the NAMM Foundation.