Derby Cathedral’s Music in Schools programme launched in September 2021. Since then, we have reached over 2000 children and currently work with 900 children weekly in 17 schools, bringing them a high-quality musical education through school based whole class singing sessions, school choirs and keyboard lessons (organ and piano). Sessions are delivered by one of our team of professional musicians, all of whom are trained choral or keyboard specialists.
Through the whole class singing sessions element of the programme, we cover many elements of the model music curriculum through practical exploration, following an incremental approach to build skills and knowledge, and we currently work with children at KS1, KS2 and KS3. The keyboard programme currently works with children at KS3, KS4, and KS5, where children receive one to one instrumental lessons on the piano and organ.
Termly performance opportunities are available, including the Celebration Concert, where your pupils will perform alongside the prestigious Cathedral Choir in a concert in the Cathedral.
We offer progression opportunities with Derby Cathedral Junior Choir and Derby Cathedral Choir, which works to the very highest levels. The Cathedral Choir sing at some of the most important civic events in the life of the city and the county of Derbyshire, and often tour and sing on radio.
For more details about joining the Music in Schools programme, please contact the Director of Music, Alexander Binns, at alexander@derbycathedral.org
Part of the National Schools Singing Programme

What the schools say:
‘We really love being part of the Music in Schools programme. The staff of Y5 classes have commented on the quality of lessons and the amount of musical knowledge the children have. A huge thank you to your staff for their amazing work.’ Deputy Head, Chellaston Junior School
‘The Music in Schools programme has had a brilliant impact on the pupils at Allenton. The programme has not only improved and developed pupils’ musical and singing development, the impact on their confidence, self esteem and social development has been a welcome bonus. I could not recommend this programme highly enough.’ Executive Headteacher, Allenton Community Primary School
Visit us
Derby Cathedral,
18-19 Iron Gate,
Derby,
DE1 3GP
Call: 01332 341201
Email: office@derbycathedral.org
Useful links
We're open
Sunday 08:30 – 18:15
Monday 08:30 – 18:30
Tuesday 08:30 – 18:30
Wednesday 08:30 – 18:00
Thursday 08:30 – 18:30
Friday 08:30 – 17:00
Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
Registered Charity Number: 1207768.
Please check the Visit page for up to date information.