At Shropshire Music Service, our workshops and events bring music to life through creative, hands-on experiences that go beyond regular lessons.
These sessions give young people the chance to explore new styles, meet professional musicians, and take part in unforgettable musical moments.
We run a wide range of workshops across the county – from songwriting and music technology to rock and pop band sessions, singing, and musical theatre.
Every event is designed to be engaging, inclusive, and inspiring, helping pupils discover different sides of music-making while building confidence and teamwork.
Our visiting artists and tutors include experienced performers, composers, and educators who share their skills and stories in an exciting and accessible way.
Previous guest hosts have included BRIT award winners, BBC Young Musician finalists, National Orchestra of Wales members, and military bands from around the UK.
In schools, we offer themed music days, percussion and drumming sessions, singing workshops, and live performances that support curriculum goals while making learning fun and memorable.
Most workshops end with a short performance or sharing session, giving participants a sense of pride and achievement.
Whether it’s performing a new piece they’ve created or taking part in a county-wide celebration, these events showcase the creativity and enthusiasm of young musicians across Shropshire.
Through our workshops and events, we aim to make music accessible, exciting, and alive — turning every session into an experience that inspires the next generation of performers, creators, and music lovers.
Our workshops are all about discovery – giving children and young people the freedom to experiment, take creative risks, and discover their own musical voice.
Even pupils who start out shy or uncertain soon grow in confidence as they try new instruments, collaborate with others, and discover how music links to emotion.
For schools, our workshops and events are a brilliant way to enrich the curriculum and inspire learning.
Want to see what’s coming up? Visit our events page to explore upcoming workshops, performances, and opportunities to get involved.
If you’d like to talk through what’s available or discuss how we can bring music to life for you, we’d love to hear from you.
Call 01743 874145.
Our workshops and events bring music to life, giving pupils the chance to create, perform, and experience music in fresh, exciting ways.
From one-day percussion sessions and songwriting projects to large-scale concerts and festivals, every event helps young people grow in confidence, creativity, and teamwork.
Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about our workshops and events.
If you’d like to learn more or can’t find what you’re looking for, please get in touch – or head to our events section to see what’s happening next across Shropshire.
Shropshire Music Service offers a wide and exciting range of workshops and events for schools and young musicians across the county. These sessions are designed to make music accessible, fun, and inspiring – no matter what instrument your child plays (or if they’ve never played before!).
Workshops include singing and percussion days, songwriting and composition sessions, musical theatre projects, and rock and pop band experiences. We also host larger showcase events such as regional concerts, inter-school performances, and themed celebration days that bring pupils together from across Shropshire.
For children who already play an instrument, there are opportunities to join specialist projects such as Riffs, our rock and pop workshop for young instrumentalists and vocalists, or to take part in ensemble performances alongside peers from other schools.
Every event is hands-on, inclusive, and focused on developing musical skills through creativity and collaboration – while giving pupils unforgettable experiences they can be proud of.
Our workshops and events are open to children and young people of all ages and abilities, from early years to sixth form. We carefully tailor every session to suit the age group and skill level of the participants.
For younger pupils, workshops focus on rhythm, movement, and fun group activities that introduce the joy of making music. Older students might explore songwriting, ensemble performance, or digital composition.
You don’t need to be taking lessons with SMS to join in – many pupils try our workshops before starting formal lessons. Schools often book events for entire classes or year groups, ensuring every pupil gets to experience music-making together.
Most workshops take place at our centre in Shrewsbury or often in schools, to make it easy for pupils to take part during the school day. We provide all the instruments, equipment, and resources needed, so there’s nothing for parents or teachers to organise.
Some events are hosted in community venues, theatres, or performance spaces across Shropshire, especially for concerts or larger celebration days. These give children the unique opportunity to perform in professional settings – often for family audiences.
Whenever possible, we make workshops accessible to everyone, choosing venues with appropriate facilities and travel links. Our office will always provide parents with full details about timings, locations, and any permissions needed.
The benefits of our workshops go far beyond music. Pupils gain confidence, teamwork skills, focus, and self-expression, learning to listen, cooperate, and celebrate their shared achievements.
Taking part in a workshop helps children build resilience, develop friendships, and discover new talents. Many pupils who attend their first event go on to learn instruments or join ensembles because of the confidence it gives them.
Parents often tell us that their children come home “buzzing” after a workshop – full of excitement and pride in what they’ve created. These experiences stay with them for years, helping to build not just musical ability, but a lifelong love of learning.
