Gateshead Music Service

Gateshead Music Service is a leading provider of music lessons, music tuition and instrumental learning in Gateshead, working with over 90% of local schools. We offer high‑quality whole‑class music lessons, small‑group tuition and 1‑to‑1 instrumental lessons, supporting children and young people at every stage of learning an instrument.

Our curriculum is knowledge‑rich and rigorous, ensuring music is taught with the same ambition and depth as any other foundation subject. From beginner to advanced learners, we provide structured progression and inspiring musical opportunities.

We are committed to the holistic development of every child, using music to build confidence, wellbeing, communication and emotional expression. Our expanding Musical Nurture programmes provide targeted support for pupils with SEMH needs, while our growing provision in SEND settings ensures that all children can access high‑quality, inclusive musical experiences.

We enrich pupils’ cultural capital through diverse musical pathways — including instrumental ensembles, singing, digital music and creative arts enrichment — aligning with Ofsted priorities and supporting a broad, ambitious curriculum.

As part of the local authority, we uphold strong safeguarding and rigorous quality assurance across all settings. Our goal is a 100% school satisfaction rate, backed by continuous improvement and system leadership aligned with national music education priorities.

Our offer for Gateshead schools…

We see working with Gateshead Music Service as a genuine partnership, where we are on hand to support schools with all their musical needs. We provide far more than lessons alone, recognising and nurturing the wider social, emotional and educational benefits that music brings to young people.

For all enquiries please email: gatesheadmusicservice@gateshead.gov.uk

  • Two children in a classroom playing blue ukuleles, sitting at a desk with other students in the background, and school supplies on the desk.

    Whole Class Ensemble Tuition

    Children get the chance to learn an instrument as part of a whole class and develop fundamental skills and gain knowledge in line with the Model Music Curriculum. Whole class instruments currently include: djembe, ukulele, samba drumming, steel pan, violin, guitar, ocarina, recorder, tuned percussion, keyboard, iPad.

  • Young boy playing a Kawai piano, focused on the keys.

    Small Group and Individual Tuition

    Children and young people have the chance to learn instruments in smaller groups or 1 to 1 progressing their playing to the next level. This is usually designed for children and young people who show passion and potential for music following Whole Class lessons.

  • Graphic of a drum set, keyboard, and guitar with the text "The Workshop Team" arching above in a semi-circle.

    The Workshop Team

    The Workshop Team offer schools a live music experience for large groups which combines performance with participation.

  • Musical Nurture Groups

    Therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches to using music-making to support social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) place the young person’s safety, autonomy and relationships at the centre of practice.

  • Musical Inclusion

    At Gateshead Music Hub we offer inclusive music opportunities tailored to individual needs. Our programmes accommodate diverse backgrounds and abilities, working with specialist schools to help young people express themselves and develop musical skills. We champion youth voice and inclusion to make a meaningful impact.