Rhondda Cynon Taf Music Service

Rhondda Cynon Taf Music Service has successfully delivered the First Experiences programme to every Year 3 pupil for two years and is now halfway through its third cycle. The project has expanded its reach, offering longer programmes in more schools, with pupils enjoying hands-on experiences in strings, brass, ukulele, pBuzz, singing, recorder and percussion.

To support equity of access, the ‘Endangered Species’ initiative provides free lessons on a case-by-case basis for pupils whose families are unable to afford traditional tuition costs. This ensures that financial barriers do not prevent young people from beginning or continuing their musical journey.

Career pathways and live experiences are also growing in the county, with pupils benefiting from workshops and performances delivered in partnership with organisations such as NYJO, Trac Cymru, the Benedetti Foundation, BBC NOW, Live Music Now, the National Eisteddfod and a range of local companies. These opportunities connect classroom learning with the wider world of music and the creative industries.

As a result, Rhondda Cynon Taf has seen a dramatic increase in demand for instrumental tuition, with numbers rising from around 660 pupils in 2022 to almost 1,500 at the start of the 2025 academic year – a clear indication of the lasting impact of these programmes.