Music Connect provides a programme of network groups, CPD and events designed specifically for music subject leaders. The Music Connect mission is to support all Leeds schools to deliver high quality music education, enabling all pupils to reach their musical potential. Music Connect is delivered by ArtForms Music.
The Music Connect offer includes:
- Music events for school students to participate in
- CPD training opportunities for teachers and supporting staff, delivered by music specialists
- Network meetings to support Music Leaders in all Leeds schools
- Termly newsletters containing information about local and national opportunities for schools
- The Digital Offer – fully funded memberships to online platforms containing music schemes of work, lessons and resources, designed to support teachers to deliver the music curriculum. Schools can choose from Charanga, Sing Up, or Musical Futures, and have the option of purchasing memberships to a second platform with our hub discount.
- Bespoke advice and guidance sessions in your school
The new Music Connect training and events programme for 2025-6 can be found here:
Music Connect Events:
- The Secondary Sing led by Craig Lees – Fri 13/03/26 – Sign up invitation emailed to schools – January 2026.
- Live @ The Wardrobe – for secondary school bands – Thurs 09/07/26 – Sign up invitation emailed to schools – April 2026.
- Leeds Youth Orchestra performance for KS4 and 6th Form – TBC – Sign up invitation emailed to schools – April 2026.
Music Connect Networks and CPD:
- Music Subject Leader Development Meeting 1 – Mon 13/10/25 – S
econdary: Music Subject Leader Development Meeting | Leeds for Learning- Music Subject Leader Development Meeting 2 – Fri 6/02/26 – Secondary: Music Subject Leader Development Meeting | Leeds for Learning
- Music Subject Leader Development Conference 2 – Tues 23/06/26 – Secondary: Music Subject Leader Development Meeting | Leeds for Learning
Leeds for Learning Newsletters:
The newsletter is emailed to all Music Leaders. Leeds for Learning request up to date contact details for all subjects at the beginning of a new school year. Please also update the ArtForms admin team (EDUC.ArtForms@leeds.gov.uk) if your school has a new Music Leader.
- Secondary Music Newsletter 1 – Mon 22/09/25
- Secondary Music Newsletter 2 – Mon 26/01/26
- Secondary Music Newsletter 3 – Fri 01/05/26
More dates will be added this half term including CPD for Music Leaders.
Music Connect is funded by ArtForms as a consortium partner of the West Yorkshire Music Hub, so Leeds schools and academies can access the programme at no charge. Unfortunately, due to rising costs, and a reduction in funding, some of the mass performance events this year will incur a nominal charge per child. We continue to try and keep the costs down for schools, while at the same time maintaining the quality that schools expect for our events. All staff CPD, network groups, the conference and the digital offer, remain fully funded by ArtForms and the hub and so have no cost to schools.
For further information or queries about Music Connect, including in-school training and support, please contact Sam.Mercer@leeds.gov.uk – Assistant Head, Music Connect, or Jane.Roe@leeds.gov.uk – Secondary Music Connect Support.
