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Our Mission

Changing Lives with Music

To make quality music lessons affordable and accessible for all in our community.

At Stoke Newington Music School CIC, we believe everyone should be able to learn music, no matter who they are or where they come from. We work hard to give top-quality music lessons with accomplished teachers that don't cost too much.

Affordable Quality Music Lessons for All In London, music lessons usually cost £30 to £50 per hour. We think that's too much for many people and money should not prevent anyone from experiencing the joy and benefits of a music education. Since 2017, we've been committed to giving great lessons that don't break the bank. We've even given free lessons to thousands of people!

We really care about three groups:
 

  • Older people (links to The Forgotten Segment of the Community segment)

  • People with special needs or disabilities

  • Families that don't have a lot of money


Helping Older People

We love our older students! Playing music can make their lives better in many ways. It can help their minds stay sharp and keep their hands nimble. Our group lessons are a fun way for older folks to make friends and feel less lonely.

Supporting Students with Special Needs

We want everyone to enjoy music, including those with special needs. Music can help these students talk better, make friends, and express their feelings. We make sure each student gets the help they need to shine.

Supporting to Low-Income Families

Half of the families in our the Stoke Newington/ Hackney North area make less than £40,000 a year. We don't think money should stop anyone from learning music. By offering affordable or free lessons, we help everyone join in the fun of making music.

How You Can Help

We need your help to keep changing lives through music and there are many ways you can help. Could you:
 

  • Make a one off or regular gift

  • Host a coffee morning

  • Ask your company to sponsor us

  • Volunteer your time​


Your support means the world to us and our students. Together, we can make sure everyone gets to experience the joy of music!

Join us in our mission. With your help, we can use the power of music to make our community stronger, happier and healthier.

At Stoke Newington Music School, our mission is to make quality music lessons affordable and accessible for our community. We are passionate and focused on providing innovative music education to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Engaging with Different Community Segments

The Forgotten Segment of the Community

Many people past retirement age often feel like the forgotten segment of the community. As technology advances and the world evolves, it can be challenging for our older generation to continue to feel connected with those around them in our fast ever-changing society. At Stoke Newington Music School CIC, we deeply value our older community members, recognising that they bring a wealth of wisdom and life experience. We believe in reciprocal intergenerational relationships where we learn from each other, fostering an environment of mutual respect, growth and understanding.

The Positive Effects of Playing an Instrument

We understand the profound importance of music for older people. Playing an instrument significantly enhances quality of life, providing both mental and physical benefits. Studies have shown that engaging in music can improve cognitive functions, such as memory and attention, and can even delay the onset of dementia. Physically, playing an instrument can improve motor skills and coordination, helping to maintain dexterity and agility.

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Group and Individual Workshops


Through our group and individual workshops, we reach out to the elderly community, offering them a space to learn and grow musically. These sessions are designed to cater to the needs and abilities of older adults, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported. Group lessons, in particular, offer a unique set of benefits. They provide a social platform where elderly students can connect with their peers, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. Socialising in group lessons helps build a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for mental well-being.

The Benefits of Group Lessons

Group music lessons can have a remarkable impact on the elderly. Research indicates that regular participation in group music activities can lead to increased feelings of happiness and a reduction in anxiety and depression. Studies have found that older adults who participated in music-making activities reported a 22% improvement in mental health and a 25% increase in their sense of social cohesion. Additionally, engaging in music with others can enhance their sense of accomplishment and purpose, contributing positively to their overall life satisfaction.

Students with Special Educational Needs

Talent is in all of us

We are passionate about nurturing the musical talent of students with SEN. Studies show that music education can enhance communication skills, social interaction, and emotional expression in children with SEN. Our bespoke services ensure that each student gets the support they need to thrive musically and personally.

Supporting Students with Special Educational Needs

At Stoke Newington Music School CIC, we are committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their abilities or challenges, has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of music education. Currently, 12% of our student population identifies as students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), reflecting our continued commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
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Through our surveys and community engagement, we have identified a significant gap in services for students with physical disabilities or educational needs in our local area. Many families have expressed difficulty finding suitable music education programs that can accommodate their child's specific needs. Recognising this gap, we have tailored our approach to provide inclusive and supportive music lessons that cater to each student's unique abilities.

Fostering Inclusion and Community

We firmly believe that fostering a sense of inclusion is crucial for building a strong and supportive community. By offering instrument lessons, we not only empower our students with SEN to explore their musical talents but also create a space where they feel accepted and valued. Music becomes a universal language that bridges differences and cultivates understanding among peers, parents, and educators alike.

Benefits to Individuals and the Community

The benefits of music education for students with SEN extend beyond musical skill development. Engaging in music can enhance cognitive functions, improve social skills, and boost self-confidence. For individuals with physical disabilities, learning to play an instrument can also improve motor skills and coordination, contributing to their overall physical well-being.

For our community, embracing diversity and providing equal opportunities for all members, including those with SEN, enriches our collective experience. It promotes empathy, tolerance, and a deeper appreciation for the unique strengths and contributions of every individual. By supporting students with SEN in pursuing their musical dreams, we create a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive and succeed.

At Stoke Newington Music School CIC, we are proud to play a pivotal role in ensuring that students with Special Educational Needs have access to high-quality music education and support. We are committed to continuing our efforts to expand our services, advocate for inclusivity, and empower every student to reach their full potential through the joy of music.

Providing Opportunities for Low-Income Families

At Stoke Newington Music School CIC, we recognise the financial challenges faced by many families in our community. With 50% of our households earning less than £40,000 annually and 39% of part-time workers earning less than the living wage, it is crucial to provide accessible music education to those who may not otherwise afford it​ (Full Fact)​​ (Living Wage Foundation)​.

The Importance of Accessibility

Providing music lessons to families with limited financial resources is essential for fostering a sense of inclusion and community. By offering subsidised or free music lessons, we ensure that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from experiencing the joy and benefits of music education. This initiative not only supports individual growth and well-being but also strengthens community bonds by providing a shared space where everyone, regardless of their economic background, can come together to learn and create.

Broadening Horizons and Building Skills
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Music education offers numerous benefits, including mental health improvements, cognitive skill development, and increased social interaction. For children from low-income families, learning an instrument can be a gateway to broader horizons, allowing them to access a community they might not otherwise engage with. It provides them with a valuable skill that can boost their confidence, enhance their academic performance, and open up new opportunities in the future.

Creating a Supportive Environment

At Stoke Newington Music School CIC, we believe in the power of music to transform lives. By providing a supportive and inclusive environment, we help our students build the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Our programs are designed to ensure that every child, regardless of their financial situation, has the opportunity to pursue their musical dreams and benefit from the lifelong advantages that music education can provide.

By supporting our mission, you help us continue to make a difference in the lives of our students and the broader community. Together, we can ensure that everyone has access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.

How You Can Help

Stoke Newington Music School CIC needs your support to continue making a difference in people’s lives. There are many ways you can help, from hosting a coffee morning to corporate sponsorship. You can also volunteer your time to support our mission. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of music.


Join us in our passion for inclusive, innovative music education. Together, we can change lives through the power of music.

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