Musica Kirklees finds new home at University of Huddersfield

The University of Huddersfield is to become the home of Musica Kirklees, the charity that has been inspiring young people and adults through the joy of music across Kirklees since the 1990s.

Musica inspires the community by teaching musical instruments and singing in schools, while passionately running bands, orchestras, ensembles, and choirs at their five vibrant community music centres across the district.

After being located in an office on Huddersfield’s Beast Market for many years, Musica is moving its office and central ensembles to the University’s Richard Steinitz Building. They will have access to dedicated music rooms, recording studios, and both Phipps Hall and St. Paul's Concert Halls. The relocation complements their ongoing school-based teaching and five community-based music centres.

Industry-leading partnership

Musica principal Nick Dolling, one of Musica’s several Huddersfield alumni, is delighted with the move to the university campus which will also include some use of the Ramsden Building once its refurbishment is complete.

“There have been a lot of collaborations with the university’s music department down the years, and we wanted to create something even better using the university’s fantastic facilities,” says Nick.

“Together with the university, we will create an industry-leading partnership for the musicians of Kirklees. The progressive paths that will open up for children of pre-school, primary and secondary age right the way through to sixth form, undergraduate and postgraduate students. A number of the young people we have worked with in local schools have gone on to study at the university and it’s wonderful that Musica Kirklees will be able to work in the environment that it deserves.”

Professor Rupert Till, Head of Department of Media, Humanities and the Arts and Professor of Music, said, "I have been discussing closer collaboration with Musica Kirklees for a number of years, and we are very pleased that the organisation is moving on campus. We are planning to develop a number of new initiatives, so that we can help to provide a pathway for musical study from Primary School to PhD level and beyond into the professional musical world. 

“This is a significant development for music education in West Yorkshire, and both the University and Musica Kirklees will benefit from shared knowledge, skills and resources."