Bursaries for Music Hub Lessons and Groups

Financial Bursaries – Autumn 2024

We are currently able to offer financial bursaries against music lessons and instrument hire and FREE music group membership to children living in Sheffield.

To qualify; families must be eligible and/or in receipt of one of the following:

  • Free school meal eligibility (subject to change September 2014)
  • Universal Credit

If not in receipt of Universal Credit (eligibility and information here) one of the following:

  • Income support       
  • Income based Job Seekers Allowance
  • Working tax credit, (where annual income is below £16,190

Financial bursaries are also available for lessons with Music Hub Accredited Teachers. Please contact your Accredited Teacher or school for further information.

The costs if your bursary application is successful are:

20 minute fortnightly lesson – £49.20 rather than £98.40

20 minute weekly lesson – £147.60 rather than £196.80

Instrument hire - £15 rather than £35

Music Group Membership – Free rather than between £55-£99 per term.

Our bursaries are aimed at opening up lessons and ensuring that they are accessible for anyone who wants them.

Children with special needs

Bursaries are also available for children with special needs.

You will need to submit a letter/email from your child’s Headteacher or SENDCO (Sheffield schools only) confirming that your child has special needs and would benefit from a weekly music lessons rather than a fortnightly music lesson. 

Our SEND Bursary upgrades a fortnightly lesson to an weekly lesson if evidence is received.


20 minute weekly lesson with the SEND bursary - £98.40 rather than £196.80

Financial Support & SEND Bursary – Both the bursaries above on receipt of evidence as per terms and conditions.

Children Looked After (CLA)

Free lessons, instrument hire, music group places and holiday courses are available for looked-after children (e.g children in foster care).

Please provide us with a letter from your Sheffield school, social worker or Sheffield City Council confirming that you are a carer for a looked-after child.

Please contact SheffieldMusicHubCLA@sheffield.gov.uk 

Financial assistance for instruments

The Arts Council’s Take It Away Scheme provides an interest-free loan to purchase an instrument.

Contact charities and trusts which may provide financial assistance for music lessons and instruments.