What We Do

We make Southwark Musical.  It's our aim to give every young person in Southwark access to high quality music making opportunities. We design what we do to meet the needs of children and schools in exciting and innovative ways.

Our bustling Saturday Centre aims to provide all pupils with a broadly based music education that serves both to enhance their enjoyment and appreciation of music and to engender a greater understanding of music making in a variety of contexts.  

The centre encompasses the Saturday Morning Centre and the Southwark Creative Orchestra providing progression from introductory lessons in schools as part of Southwark Music Service’s Wider Opportunities Programme.  

We fund the Southwark Youth Orchestra, a community orchestra open to young people either going to school or living in the Borough of Southwark.

In partnership with the David Idowu Foundation, we fund the David Idowu Choir, open to young singers throughout Southwark. 

We run a variety of training courses for teachers to develop as music leaders.

We’re also here to talk to parents and young people themselves about getting involved in music and making the most of the amazing opportunities that making music brings.

All our staff and tutors are trained to the highest standard and we constantly review and refresh their skills.  Each has a wealth of experience in dealing with children and young people. Every single member of our team undergoes a full DBS check.

Whether you want general information, or if you have a specific query about an instrument, activity, teaching or training need, please feel free to contact us.

​Enjoy a flavour of the work we do below - 

It's All About The Music!

Film maker Claudia Lee has documented the work of the Southwark Music Service & Excellence in Southwark featuring The David Idowu Choir and the Southwark Youth Orchestra and the thoughts of the key players that make these vital organisations tick.

"Southwark Music Service is to be commended for the quality of its teaching and for giving children an all-encompassing musical experience."  Federation of Music Services (MSEP Report)