Supporting music for over 30 years
About Us
The Music for Schools Foundation is a UK-wide charity with over 30 years’ experience helping primary-age children learn a musical instrument. We specialise in brass and woodwind lessons taught in small groups during the school day, making instrumental music practical, affordable and accessible for schools and families.
We work in partnership with primary schools across the UK, supporting them with a complete, well-managed service. From lessons and instruments to communication and organisation, we aim to make instrumental learning simple to run and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Our Story and Mission
We believe every child deserves the chance to learn an instrument, whatever their background or circumstance. Music has a unique way of building confidence, creativity and a sense of achievement, often in children who may not always shine elsewhere in school life.
Learning an instrument can support focus, coordination, communication and self-belief. Just as importantly, it brings joy. Seeing a child make their first sound, play with others and feel proud of their progress is at the heart of everything we do.
OUR MISSION
To nurture the next generation of young musicians
Who We Work With
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Parents and carers who want a positive, confidence-building activity for their child
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Primary schools looking for a reliable, low-effort way to offer instrumental music
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Tutors and musicians who care about access to music education and enjoy working with children
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Supporters and partners who believe music should be open to everyone
Whether you’re signing up a child, joining our tutor team or exploring how we work with schools, you’ll find a friendly, supportive organisation that puts children first.
How We Work
Our lessons are carefully structured, supportive and designed with primary-aged children in mind. Pupils learn in small groups during the school day, guided by friendly, skilled tutors who know how to make learning engaging and achievable.
Behind the scenes, our office team works closely with schools, parents and tutors to keep everything running smoothly. We manage the practical details so teachers can focus on teaching and children can focus on enjoying music.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Our work is made possible by a dedicated office team and a brilliant network of instrumental tutors who bring energy, care and musical expertise into schools every week.
Ali Wooding
Head of Service
Phoebe Harley
Tuition Liaison
Our Patron
We’re proud to have Paul Harris as Patron of the Music for Schools Foundation.
Paul is a clarinettist, composer, author and educator with an international reputation for his contribution to music education. After studying at the Royal Academy of Music and the University of London, he has gone on to become one of the UK’s leading voices in how children learn music, known for championing thoughtful, child-centred teaching.
Paul’s belief that music education should be inspiring, inclusive and accessible to all children closely reflects our own values. His support strengthens our commitment to providing high-quality instrumental learning that builds confidence, creativity and a lifelong connection with music.
Paul Harris
Patron of Music for Schools Foundation
Our Impact in Numbers
Children Taught
Over 50,000 children have discovered the joy of music through our programs.
Lessons Delivered
More than 120,000 brass and woodwind lessons delivered in schools nationwide.
Schools Across the UK
We currently work with over 250 primary schools across the UK, delivering weekly lessons.
Years Service to Music
Over three decades of supporting accessible, high-quality music education.
What Our Community Says
"I just wanted to express my sincere thanks to Mr Milford, who has taught my son the cornet for the last 5 years!
Our story began 5 years ago, when our son Freddie, completely out of the blue, asked Father Christmas for a bright red trumpet whilst in reception at school! Naturally, he obliged and a red cornet turned up on Christmas Day! Not long after that, Freddie told me he now needed to learn how to play it!
I remember calling MfSF and asking about lessons, but was told children in reception weren't able to have cornet lessons as they couldn't make the sound easily enough at that age! However, I explained that somehow, he was currently holding the note VERY loudly in his room at that very moment and they agreed to let him have a trial lesson and that was where his journey began!
Mr Milford, began teaching Freddie not long after that and has shown such patience and inspiration over the years that followed! He is an absolute credit to your school and I can honestly say Freddie has loved every minute. To the point that on his way home this evening, from his final year 6 concert, he cried and said how much he would miss Mr Milford. Freddie has always loved to perform and sing, but his cornet lessons inspired him even further. So I just wanted to make sure Mr Milford and MfSF truly know how much he inspires his students and how much his lessons have meant to Freddie and the family that have got to watch his concerts!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, for everything. You will truly be missed!"
