Durham Music Service Youth Voice Committee presents our first ever 'Solo Performance Showcase'. Do you sing or play an instrument? We have decided to create an event to allow you to come along and perform any piece of your choosing. This can be any level and can be accompanied or just you playing on your own. If you're a singer in a band at school, bring them along too! Read more
Durham Music Choirs have once again been invited to perform in this annual fundraiser concert for Durham Music Trust! This Primitive Methodist Chapel boasts beautiful acoustics for this early summer concert that showcases the work of the DMS choirs from across three different regions, central Durham, Darlington and East Durham. Read more
Want to be a rock star? Want to play in Band? Now’s your chance… Read more
Come and join our exciting new single reed group. Music of all styles, classical, jazz, pop and musicals. All types of clarinet and saxophone welcome. If you play both you can bring both, just let us know on the sign up form. 16th March 2024 - 2 p.m. - 3.30 p.m. 20th April 2024 - 2 p.m. - 3.30 p.m. 18th May 2024 - 2 p.m. - 3.30 p.m. 22nd June 2024 - 2 p.m. - 3.30 p.m. Read more
Music Group Registrations launched on Monday 11th September with rehearsals starting the week beginning 18th September.
Did you know Durham Music Service offers lots of chances to make music in a band or group? Whether you have played in one of our groups before, or at the start of your musical journey, Durham Music Service can’t wait to welcome you!
Playing in a group and singing is a brilliant experience for young musicians. There’s the chance to make new friends during rehearsals and share your music making at special performances with friends and family. We regularly perform at venues such as Gala Durham, Durham Cathedral, Sage Gateshead and our home at Ushaw Historic House. What’s more, all Durham Music Service groups are fully subsidised, so there is no cost to join in the fun.
There are so many groups to choose from, meeting at various venues across Durham and Darlington. Check out our groups (below) and talk to your instrument or singing teacher to find out which group is best for you. Both current Durham Music Service and pupils who receive lessons elsewhere are very welcome.
Use the filter below to find the right group for instrument type and playing level.
PLEASE NOTE: Existing members of all groups will need to re-register. This is to make sure all parental/carer permissions are up to date. Thank you.
This is a group especially for beginner players for their first taste of playing in a Band. Playing in a band is a fun way to improve musical skills and give a first taste of performing alongside other children at the start of their musical journey. Targeted especially for those in their first years of learning a Brass, Woodwind or Percussion instrument. This is a FREE group to join. Read more
This is a fantastic opportunity to play in a high-level musical group and is open to string players of Grade 5 standard and above and to wind/brass players of Grade 6 and above. Read more
This band is one of the leading ensembles in Durham Music Service Read more
DMS Darlington Rocks is a weekly twilight session run by specialist Rock & Pop tutors at Haughton Academy for students of grade 3 or above on drums, guitar and vocals. Read more
Rock and Pop Band working towards live performances Read more
This is a great opportunity for Secondary age students to put together a Rock or Pop group, or provide a space for existing groups. There will be an informal end-of-term gig to share what we have achieved with family and friends. Read more
This is your opportunity to make music in a group. Read more
DMS Stars orchestra (Formerly Durham First Orchestra) is a fun and friendly music group who meet together every Monday at Durham Johnston School. Read more
Durham City Orchestra is a thriving and friendly group for young string players who have progressed from Durham 1st orchestra. Read more
Durham Music City Wind Band is a fun band for pupils from all over Durham City Read more
Start your week by making music every Monday! Learn to play rock, classical and jazz to start your journey towards becoming a complete musician. Read more
We are delighted to launch The Durham City Stars Wind band. This is a group is aimed at beginner players who have been playing for approximately 1 year. Read more
Come along and sing with other people. Read more
Durham Music Jazz Jam offers the first steps into jazz and creating your own music. We play fun, upbeat music that ranges from jazz to dance music. Grade 3-5 Instruments: Woodwind, brass, keyboard, guitar, drums Read more
Durham Music Jazz offers musicians different ways to express themselves and have fun. The group covers a range of genres and the musicians have the opportunity to choose the music they play. Grade 6-8 Instruments - Woodwind, brass, keyboard, guitar, drums. Read more
St Bede's Peterlee Rock Band is open to any secondary school pupil looking to play in a rock band! Playing or singing in a group is a brilliant experience: There's the chance to make new friends during rehearsals, develop new musical skills and celebrate success at special performances with friends and family. All instruments welcome! Tuesday afternoons during term time 3.15 - 4.00pm at St Bede's Catholic School, Peterlee. Read more
Make music every Tuesday in DMS Stars Easington! This is a group which aims to give musicians a fun experience playing in a music group. Read more
DMS Stars Weardale is a fun and friendly music group who meet together every Tuesday at Wolsingham School for violin, flute and recorder. Read more
Come along and sing with other people Durham Music Training Choirs are open to anyone aged 9-14 who loves singing! Read more
Come and join in with a brand new fun friendly group especially for violins, viola's and cellos of ALL abilities in East Durham! We will meet weekly during term time, to play together learning pieces of music, along with playing musical games and generally having a lovely musical time! We aim to share our skills to families and friends with at least 2 performances each year. Read more
Come along to our fantastic new home at Wellfield school to make friends and make music! Read more
Darlington String Orchestra is a fun and sociable group of string players from across Darlington Read more