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!

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 music group taster sessions

Please find more details for each under "How to take part in Learn To Play 2026".

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

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.

Exclusive Learn To Play Follow-On Offer

As a special offer for Learn To Play attendees, we're offering 5 taster lessons for the price of 4, plus free instrument hire. Therefore the package costs £70 instead of the usual £90 and includes five 20-minute lessons (subject to availability and any current waiting lists). Lessons can take place either in school during the school day, or as out-of-school lessons after school at one of our music centres. The taster package includes:

• 5 x 20-minute lessons in Autumn Term
• Free instrument hire for the duration of the taster programme (please note that guitars and drums are not available for hire as part of this offer)
• A total cost of £70

Learn to Play attendees will be sent a link on 10th October to apply for these special follow-on taster lessons.

How to take part in Learn To Play 2026

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 (sold out), Bassoon, Cello, Clarinet, Cornet, Double Bass, Electric Guitar (sold out), Euphonium/Baritone, Flute, Piano/Keyboard (sold out), Recorder, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Violin

20-minute piano/keyboard and guitar taster lessons have now SOLD OUT. To meet demand, we are offering small group taster sessions for up to five students per session as an alternative. If you would like to try guitar or piano/keyboard, please select one of the available slots from the Music Taster Session drop-down menu on the booking form.

Group Piano Lesson Slots Available

• 10:30am - 11:00am
• 11:00am - 11:30am
• 11:30am - 12:00pm (Sold Out)

Group Guitar Lesson Slots Available

• 1:00pm - 1:30pm (Sold Out)
• 1:30pm - 2:00pm
• 2:00pm - 2:30pm

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

FREE Music Group Taster Sessions

10am - 10:45am Mini Music Makers Taster Session (Ages 4-7) This session is now SOLD OUT

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!

2:30pm - 3pm Beginner Recorder Club Taster Session (Years 2 - 6)

Led by Katrina Fountain, Beginner Recorder Club is a welcoming group for young musicians who are already learning the recorder and are ready to build on their basic musical skills. Members explore a wide range of musical styles, from Tudor music through to jazz, pop and rock, whilst developing music reading skills and confidence as group players. Come along and discover what it's like to be part of this lively and supportive group.

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.