How was Kirklees Music School Formed?

The music school serves the residents of Kirklees, a Metropolitan Council created under local government reorganisation in 1974.

There is a long history of instrumental teaching in Huddersfield going back to 1948, when string tuition was introduced. In the 1960s and 70s the teaching flourished, eventually becoming part of the education board's provision. Similar services existed in the West Riding and other nearby mill towns. When Kirklees was formed, music services in Huddersfield, Dewsbury and part of West Yorkshire were amalgamated to form the instrumental service.

During the 1980s and early 1990s the economic factors of the day caused severe financial problems for the council funded music service. Alternatives to full council funding were explored.

The Kirklees Music School was formed in 1992, to secure the continuation of instrumental tuition by deriving a proportion of its income from parents. It is an independent charitable trust and company limited by guarantee.

Operating as an independent organisation, with close links and significant financial support from Kirklees council, the music school has gone from strength to strength. The range of activities has been expanded to include music technology, world music, Rock school and DJ mixing, as well as curriculum support to schools, recitals and work in the pre school and special need areas.