Music-Making Groups
Advanced String Players Day
Led by: Somerset Music
Somerset Music runs an Advanced String Players Day twice a year, in March and October. These days are designed for young string players looking to develop their ensemble skills and musical confidence in a supportive environment.
Designed for: Violin, viola, cello or double bass players. Grade 5 to Grade 8+
Where & When: Twice yearly (March and October).
Further information: https://somersetmusic.co.uk/join-a-music-group/
Harbour Records/B Sharp MusicFutures
The Harbour Records/B Sharp MusicFutures programme supports young aspiring musicians in taking the next steps toward a creative career. Participants gain hands-on experience in performance, music production, and professional development, helping them grow both musically and creatively. B Sharp is a music and enterprise charity based in Lyme Regis, with over 12 years’ experience delivering workshops, training, performances and gigs across the district and beyond. Their work supports creativity, confidence and progression through inclusive music-making opportunities.
Designed for: Anyone aged 16–25 living in Dorset, UK
Where & When: Lyme Regis, October 2025 – July 2026
Further information: https://bsharp.org.uk/music-futures/
Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra
Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra (DYJO) is an intermediate to advanced youth jazz orchestra led by renowned local jazz musician Terry Quinney. DYJO offers young musicians the chance to develop jazz performance skills, ensemble playing and improvisation.
Designed for: Young musicians approximately Grade 4 standard and above.
Where & When: Charlton Marshall, near Blandford Forum. Sundays, once a month, 10am – 1pm.
Further Information: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/dorset-youth-jazz-orchestra-dyjo
Guildhall Young Artists Taunton
Guildhall Young Artists (GYA) Taunton is a Saturday performing arts centre offering a vibrant, creative space, for children and young people to learn and perform music and drama. Sessions take place in a fun, supportive environment that encourages creativity and confidence.
Designed for: Children 5 – 18 years. No auditions or previous experience necessary
Where & When: Wellington School, Wellington. Saturday mornings. Octagon Music Hub funded bursaries available.
Further Information: http://www.gsmd.ac.uk/taunton
Jack’s Music Club
Led by: Jackdaws Music Education Trust
Jackdaws is dedicated to improving participation in and enjoyment of music through music courses, education projects, a Young Artists Programme and live performances. Jackdaws works with people of all ages and abilities. Perfect for unwinding on a Friday night after a long week at school, and a great way to include social music-making in a home-schooling curriculum.
Designed for: Musicians of any ability aged 10 – 17 years.
Where & When: Fridays during term time, 4.30pm – 5.30pm. Great Elm, Frome, Somerset
Further information: https://www.jackdaws.org.uk/contact/
Octagon Junior Choir
Come and learn a wide variety of music across different genres from musicals, pop, classical and everything in between.
Designed for: 7-12 year olds (those a little older are also welcome to attend).
Where & When: Wednesday 5:30pm – 7:00pm, Westlands, Yeovil
Further information: https://westlandsyeovil.co.uk/whats-on/all-shows/octagon-junior-choir/9370/
Out There
Led by: Actiontrack Performance Company
Out There uses music and creative practice as a way to build confidence, develop skills and re-engage young people in positive learning experiences.
Designed for: Young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), or who are at risk of becoming disengaged.
Where & When: Flexible schedule of one-to-one or small-group studio sessions centred around the needs of the young people. Based in Somerset
Further information: https://www.actiontrackperformance.co.uk/education-and-community
My Tunes
Led by: Actiontrack Performance Company
Music-making, songwriting and studio-based creative practice. MyTunes provides young people with a structured but flexible way to express themselves, build confidence and re-engage with learning.
Designed for: Young people attending Pupil Referral Units or who are at risk of becoming disengaged.
Where & When: Sessions happen in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), alternative education and Actiontrack’s recording studio based in Taunton.
Further information: https://www.actiontrackperformance.co.uk/education-and-community
Somerset Youth Concert Band
Somerset Music
Formed in 1973, the Somerset Youth Concert Band brings together around 50 of Somerset’s most talented young musicians. The band performs a diverse and challenging repertoire including original concert band music, classical works, swing and music from West End shows.
Instrument(s): Brass, woodwind, percussion
Designed for: Advanced young musicians from across Somerset with Grade 5 standard or above. Auditions held annually in October.
Where & When: Various dates and times throughout the year.
Further information: Contact Sarah Alsop at Somerset Music on 07976696562 or by email at sarah.alsop@somerset.gov.uk
Somerset Youth Orchestra
Somerset Music
Since its formation in 1973, the Somerset Youth Orchestra (SYO) has offered high-quality orchestral experiences to young musicians across the county. Many former members have gone on to study music at university or conservatoire level and pursue professional music careers.
Designed for: Advanced young orchestral musicians at Grade 5 standard or above with auditions held annually in October.
Where & When: Various dates and times throughout the year. Across Somerset.
Further information: Contact Sarah Alsop at Somerset Music on 07976696562 or by email at sarah.alsop@somerset.gov.uk
Sound Lab Yeovil
Led by: Evolve Music
Sound Lab Yeovil is an inclusive, creative music-making programme delivered by Evolve Music. Sessions provide young people and adults with additional needs the opportunity to explore sound, instruments and music technology in a relaxed, supportive environment. Sound Lab focuses on participation, confidence and self-expression rather than formal outcomes, and is shaped around the interests and needs of the people who attend. Sessions may include group music-making, improvisation, beat-making, songwriting and use of accessible music technology.
Designed for: Inclusive, creative music-making for neurodiverse young people (14 – 25) & those with learning differences.
Where & When: Weekly on a Tuesday at The GateWay, Addlewell Ln, Yeovil BA20 1QN
Focus: Inclusive group music-making and music technology
Further Information: For current dates and session details, visit the Evolve Music What’s On page: https://evolvemusic.org.uk/whats-on/