MAC Makes Music

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MAC Makes Music

Innovative music making opportunities for 0-25 year olds with limited access.

MAC Makes Music is an award-winning programme* providing innovative music making opportunities for children and young people with limited access to music provision. We work with Families, Pupil Referral Units, Charities, Primary Schools, Children’s Services, Centres for Newly Arrived Children and Young People, Resource Bases/Focus Provisions and Special Schools to influence sustained music making

activity for those with limited access to music provision. Our passion is to offer young people high quality music making experiences led by a team of highly experienced musicians. The young person’s voice and creativity is at the heart of a diverse music offer in new music technology, song writing, band development, singing and music production. MAC is a strategic partner of Youth Music working towards creating a musically inclusive England, where every child can access music-making opportunities, regardless of their circumstances. Through MAC Makes Music, we champion innovation in music making approaches, support workforce development and advocate for equality in music education in partnership with Music Education Hubs in Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, Solihull and Worcestershire.

* Outstanding Musical Initiative, Music and Drama Education Awards, 2020

* Excellence in Primary & Early Years, 'Tune into Listening' Music Award for Excellence, 2017

06/05/2026

Join us this weekend for Misfits Music performance of The Music Seekers Big Show - 'Jolly Jobs'!

The 50+ piece community orchestra will perform original music composed in collaboration with SWITCH, MAC Makes Music's in-house inclusive band!

SWITCH live performance - 2.15pm, MAC Foyer.
Misfits performance - 3pm, MAC Theatre.
SUNDAY 10th MAY.

Tickets can be found here: https://macbirmingham.co.uk/events/misfits-music-the-music-seeker-big-show-jolly-jobs

25/03/2026

✨THANK YOU to everyone who came to Club SENsation! ✨

You were ALL incredible — the energy, the smiles, and AMAZING moves!! 🕺

Keep an eye on our website page (link in bio!) for updates on the next Club SENsation — you won’t want to miss it! 💛

📷: Will Pace

11/02/2026

✨ Club SENsation is just ONE week away! ✨

Join us for an afternoon of music, dancing and relaxed fun for SEND young people, families + groups. 🎶💃🕺

Only a few tickets left!

📅 Wed 18 Feb
🕒 2–4pm
📍 MAC Theatre

What’s on:
2–3pm 🌈 Chill tunes
3–3:15pm 💫 Learn a dance
3:15–4pm 🎉 Upbeat disco vibes

Ages 10+ (siblings welcome)
Pay what you choose
Parent/carer must accompany young people

💛 A welcoming space. Great music. Good vibes.
🎟️ Book now via this link: macbirmingham.co.uk/events/club-sensation-2

See you on the dancefloor! ✨

28/01/2026

✨ Feb Half Term Fun! ✨

Club SENsation is back at MAC — a relaxed, inclusive, SEN‑friendly disco space for young people to enjoy music, movement and time together.

🗓 Wed 18 Feb

⏰ 2–4pm

📍 MAC Main Theatre

💛 Pay as you choose

Expect a chilled first hour, a chance to learn a short dance routine, and a joyful disco to finish.

The event is suitable for ages 10+, and siblings of all ages are welcome.

A private on‑site bar will be open for drinks and hot food 🍕

Book through the MAC website (link in bio)

21/01/2026

What a fab day at the NOYO rehearsal & social!

We had an amazing time together — enjoying delicious MAC pizza 🍕, playing games, colouring, and ending the evening with a screening of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle 🎬✨

And if you are interested in being part of an orchestra, we’d love to hear from you!

🎻 Register your interest for our Open Rehearsals via this link: https://noyo.org.uk/come-to-our-2026-open-rehearsals/

18/12/2025

Wishing you all a very Merry SWITCHmas 🎄✨ and a Happy New Year!

We had such a blast at our end‑of‑year social—listening back to the band's original Christmas tunes, getting crafty, and sharing pizza from 🍕

Can't wait to be back jamming in 2026! 🎶

10/12/2025

Meet the Sound Futures Team! ✨

We’re proud to introduce the brilliant professionals leading and supporting our young participants through music, creativity and personal growth.

Toni Grehan — Project Manager

Toni brings 20+ years of experience using music and arts to create positive social change. She has led outreach projects with MAC, B:Music/Symphony Hall, Selextorhood, Girl Grind UK, Gospel Revisited, Services for Education and more — empowering young people and marginalised communities.

She also received the European Jazz Network award for Best Community Outreach Project in Europe, and continues to champion access, creativity, and real opportunities in the music sector. 🎶

Paul Snook — Lead Workshop Facilitator

Paul is a seasoned producer, songwriter and session musician with 25+ years in the industry. He has worked with respected artists including Black Voices, Maurice Birkener and Lafayette Harris, and has mentored young musicians for over a decade.

Paul will be bringing hands-on expertise in production, performance and real-world industry insight to our young participants. 🎧

Emile Hutchinson — Community Liaison Officer

Emile is a lyricist and songwriter, but also a highly experienced educator with a strong pastoral background. As an Assistant Head and pastoral lead, he has worked directly with young people facing barriers, offering guidance, emotional support and positive relational mentoring.

His role in Sound Futures is central in helping participants feel seen, valued and creatively empowered. 🌟

Together, this team brings passion and expertise to Sound Futures. Follow along for updates, stories and insights. 🙌

Huge thanks to our funders and partners:

National Lottery Heritage Fund

Visit our Sound Futures Page on our website, follow this link 🔗
https://macbirmingham.co.uk/about/mac-makes-music/youth-justice

03/12/2025

Introducing: Sound Futures at MAC Makes Music! 🎶✨

We’re so excited to launch Sound Futures — a new music outreach programme empowering young people in the Youth Justice System.

Our young people will take part in:

• Music production

• Songwriting

• Instrument tuition

• Live performance

• Real-world experience with music pros

🎧

Sound Futures creates meaningful pathways for young people to thrive, feel a sense of belonging, and express themselves through the power of music.

We kick off our next cohort in January 2026 — we can’t wait!

Follow along for updates, stories, and insights...

Huge thanks to our funders and partners:

National Lottery Community Fund

Visit our Sound Futures Page on our website, follow this link 🔗 https://macbirmingham.co.uk/about/mac-makes-music/youth-justice

26/11/2025

We’d love to welcome you to our NOYO Open Rehearsals 🎶

No performance or orchestra experience is needed! Come meet new friends and be part of a supportive, welcoming community to see if you'd be interested in joining! 🎼🎷🎹🎸

Dates:
• 7 February 2026

• 14 March 2026

Time:
1–4pm

Venue:
Midlands Arts Centre

Excited? Express interest on our form! Follow this link: https://noyo.org.uk/come-to-our-2026-open-rehearsals/ 🔗

19/11/2025

We were delighted to host at MAC- the Sounds of Play conference this week!

Together, we discussed the importance — and exciting future — of music in the early years 🎶

We were also treated to a beautiful performance by B’Opera, 'Hello Bird Hello Fish' 🐦🐟

A huge thank you to Programme Manager Nicola Burke and Sarah Robbins, CEO of The Springfield Projects, for sharing their insight into the project!

Address

Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park
Birmingham
B129QH

Telephone

01214463222

Website

https://macbirmingham.co.uk/mac-makes-music

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