Area Music Centres

Area Music Centres (AMCs) offer a wide range of musical activities for children and young people of all ages and abilities. Centres are in:

  • Crowborough
  • Eastbourne
  • Hastings
  • Lewes.

To take part, you must be:

  • 4 to 18 years old
  • having music lessons in your school and college.

Members meet after school and on Saturday mornings.

Each centre has its own team of dedicated and experienced musicians and music teachers, most of whom also work in schools in East Sussex.

Apply to join

AMC courses

Download the Area Music Centre guide and timetables.

There are opportunities to take part in ensembles and perform in public concerts across the county for more advanced groups in our various bands, ensembles and orchestras.

For younger children in Reception Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 there are workshops and special early years classes.

A young piano performer at the Royal Albert Hall
A young piano performer at the Royal Albert Hall

Fees

Membership fees are £59 per term. This allows you to join in with as many AMC activities as you like, assuming you have reached the necessary grade to take part.

There are a number of other termly fees:

  • to join an AMC choir only - £32
  • to join a Young Music Makers class only - £32

Find out more about Young Music Makers classes and fees information on music for children during the early years.

If you not already registered with the East Sussex Music Service, you will also need to pay a one off £5 registration fee. All fees are invoiced three times a year, in September, January and April.

Help with fees

If your family are in receipt of certain benefits, the fees you pay are less than the standard rate.

Families in receipt of Income Support
Termly fee - £8.85
Choir only - £4.80

Families in receipt of income-based Job Seekers Allowance
Termly fee - £8.85
Choir only - £4.80

Families with a total gross income up to and including £20,000
Termly fee - £29.50
Choir only - £16

Withdrawing from lessons

To withdraw your child from music lessons, inform us by the dates below to avoid paying a £10 administration fee:

  • 1 December – for withdrawl at the end of term 2
  • 1 March – for withdrawl at the end of term 4
  • 1 July – for withdrawl at the end of term 6.