At Shropshire Music Service (SMS), we believe every child deserves the chance to make music, no matter their background or ability.

For over 50 years, we’ve been helping young people across the county discover their creativity, confidence, and community through high-quality music education.

But this work doesn’t happen on its own, it’s made possible through the support of our partners, sponsors, and friends who believe in the power of music to change lives.

Supporting SMS means investing in something that reaches far beyond the classroom. Music builds teamwork, discipline, and joy.

It brings people together, strengthens communities, and gives young people skills that last a lifetime.

Fundraising and Sympho – Our Supporting Charity

SMS is supported by Sympho, our registered charity partner dedicated to promoting and developing music-making opportunities across Shropshire.

Sympho raises funds that directly benefit our students, helping to provide bursaries, buy instruments, and support special projects that enhance access to music for all.

Fundraising through Sympho allows individuals, schools, and organisations to contribute to a legacy of creativity and inclusion. Donations can be one-off gifts, regular contributions, or support for specific initiatives such as performance tours, new ensembles, or community music projects.

Every pound raised helps us reach more children, provide more opportunities, and keep music alive in every corner of the county.

You can support Sympho by:

  • Volunteering at a concert or event
  • Making a donation (large or small)
  • Organising a fundraising event
  • Leaving a gift in your will to sustain music education for future generations

To donate, please email symphoinfo1@gmail.com

Registered charity number 508977.

Corporate Sponsorship

Local businesses and corporate partners play a vital role in sustaining and expanding our work.

By becoming a corporate sponsor, your company can help us deliver more lessons, fund new instruments, and ensure music-making remains accessible to every child in Shropshire.

Sponsorship packages can include support for:

  • County ensembles such as the Shropshire Youth Orchestra, Stompers, and RIFFS
  • Instrument lesson bursaries, funding children to learn an instrument
  • Workshops, concerts, and community events that showcase young talent across the county
  • New instruments and resources, helping us maintain a thriving and inclusive music offer

In return, sponsors receive recognition across our website, programmes, and events, as well as opportunities for staff engagement through concerts, volunteering, and community partnerships.

Supporting SMS is a meaningful way to demonstrate corporate social responsibility while directly enriching the lives of young people in our region.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities please contact us on 01743 874145 or email: admin@shropshiremusicservice.org.uk

Partnerships with Local Music Groups

We’re proud to work alongside the many community choirs, orchestras, and music groups that make Shropshire such a vibrant musical county.

These partnerships help bridge the gap between school and lifelong music-making, giving young people pathways to continue their journey beyond education.

Here are some of our local supportive groups for whom we are very grateful:

  • Stretton Arts Forum
  • Shrewsbury Arts Society
  • Shrewsbury Symphony Orchestra
  • Ludlow New Voices

We welcome collaboration with local ensembles, from shared performances and joint rehearsals to mentoring and masterclasses.

By working together, we can ensure that Shropshire remains a county where music thrives at every level, from the first school performance to professional concert stages.

If you’re part of a local choir, orchestra, or community group interested in partnering with SMS, we’d love to hear from you.

Please contact us on 01743 874145 or email: admin@shropshiremusicservice.org.uk