About Us
Established in 2006, Sheffield Music Academy trains over 150 talented young musicians each year. We inspire excellence, build confidence and help students share their music in schools and communities. As one of only 12 UK Centres for Advanced Training, we're funded by the Department for Education alongside vital support from trusts, donors and sponsors. With auditions each spring, places are open to all who are dedicated to music.
Board of Trustees
Our brilliant Board of Trustees volunteer their time, expertise and guidance to keep Sheffield Music Academy thriving. Interested in joining? Get in touch with Katie for an informal chat.
Angela Brumpton
Mary Gayford
Dr Ning Ma
Emily Pieters
Sara Unwin
Friends of SMA
Launched by parents and guardians, the Friends support SMA's mission through fundraising and community events. They run socials like our BBQ and annual Ceilidh, as well as the Saturday tuck shop and concert refreshments, raising money for instruments, equipment and even our current big goal: a new grand piano.
The group is open to any parent, carer or friend who'd like to get involved, and new members are always welcome. To join, email Friends@sheffieldmusicacademy.co.uk.
The Friends also support the SMA Art Corner, run by Rachael Charles.
Supporters & Partners
A huge thank you to our sponsors, partners and donors for their continued support. As a small music education charity, we welcome all support no matter how big or small and can offer bespoke packages to businesses wishing to partner with us. Individual donations of good quality instruments are also always welcome. Please contact the office to discuss further.
Our Partners
Birkdale School
Since 2006, Birkdale School has been our home, providing outstanding facilities and support as we grow. We work in close partnership with their Head of Music, Adrian Jordan, and Head of Instrumental Studies, Dr Spencer Pitfield. Alongside hosting us every Saturday, Birkdale has welcomed countless concerts, socials and even a few lively Academy ceilidhs!
Sheffield Music Hub
The Sheffield Music Hub enables Children and Young People from all backgrounds and every part of Sheffield to deepen their enjoyment of music. We are proud to be part of the hub as it continues to drive the expansion of opportunities for all young people and young musicians in Sheffield.
St Andrew's Church, Psalter Lane
St Andrew's Psalter Lane hosts many of our concerts and events. We are grateful for their ongoing partnership and support.
Classical Sheffield
We are proud to be part of Classical Sheffield, which works to promote the performance of classical music throughout Sheffield by cataloguing all upcoming performances and concerts.
Music in the Round and Ensemble 360
Music in the Round is the largest promoter of chamber music outside London. They present two concert series and an annual May Festival in Sheffield at their home in the Crucible Studio.
Sheffield City Hall
Sheffield City Hall is home to over 750 events per year including the Sheffield International Concert Season. We are proud to have the support of one of the city's most iconic venues and you may often find our students playing in the foyer at a classical concert!
Create Sheffield
Create Sheffield is a charitable organisation set up to take the young people of Sheffield on a journey into the arts, cultural and heritage sectors. From creative learning opportunities to fun things to do, they benefit the lives of all those aged 0–24.
With thanks to
Our Supporters
- AHF Transforming Heritage
- Affinity
- BlueBox IT
- Imperial Signs
- GRI Group
- John Thaw Foundation
- The Postlethwaite Music Foundation
- The D'Oyly Charitable Trust
- The JG Graves Charitable Trust
- The Freshgate Trust Foundation
- Tramlines Trust
- Sheffield Town Trust
SMA would like to thank Dorothy Hampson for the donation of a beautiful Welmar piano to our teaching rooms.
Click below to get started with your application. No formal qualifications are required to apply and we welcome applications from young musicians at all stages of learning.
Safeguarding policy is currently available to parents and staff via the authenticated Portal.
"Sheffield Music Academy welcomes young musicians from all walks of life. We are a dedicated community of musicians with a mission to nurture talent and inspire the next generation. We would love to see you at our next performance!"
Martin Cropper, Music Director
Sheffield Music Academy is registered in England as 'Sheffield Music Academy', a Company limited by guarantee no. 07667445 and is a registered charity no. 1143420.