Aberdeenshire Youth Music Sessions
Aberdeenshire Youth Music Sessions (AYMS) provide musical and social development opportunities outside of school. They are for children who are currently learning and have reached the required level to take part. If in doubt, please consult your child’s instructor or contact us.
Groups take place in various venues across Aberdeenshire and pupils are free to attend any suitable groups.
Please note there is no transport available for these sessions.
Mackie Academy sessions
Concert Band
Instruments: Woodwind, Brass, Percussion
Level: Up to Grade 4
Cost: £26.60
Session dates (Sundays 1pm to 3pm):
- 1st November 2026
- 8th November 2026
- 29th November 2026
Concert date: Friday 13th December 2026
Junior String Orchestra
Instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
Level: Up to Grade 3 (we recommend participants have been learning at least a term, ideally a year)
Cost: £26.60
Session dates (Sundays 1pm to 3pm):
- 1st November 2026
- 8th November 2026
- 29th November 2026
Concert date: Friday 13th December 2026
Inverurie Academy sessions
Junior Orchestra
Instruments: Woodwind, Brass, Percussion, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
Level: Grade 1 to 3
Cost: £33.25
Session dates (Saturdays 10am to 12 noon):
- 31st October 2026
- 7th November 2026
- 21st November 2026
- 28th November 2026
Concert date: Saturday 5th December 2026
Piping
Instruments: Bagpipes, Pipe Drums
Level: Beginner
Cost: £19.95
Session dates (Saturdays 10am to 12 noon):
- 21st November 2026
- 28th November 2026
Concert date: Saturday 5th December 2026
Intermediate Orchestra
Instruments: Woodwind, Brass, Percussion, Upper Strings, Lower Strings
Level: Grade 3 and above
Cost: £33.25
Session dates (Thursdays 4:30pm to 6pm):
- 29th October 2026
- 19th November 2026
- 26th November 2026
- 3rd December 2026
Concert date: 10am Saturday 5th December 2026
Payments
Payment is required in advance, and the fee is non-refundable unless the Instrumental Music Service cancels an event.
Exemption for pupils receiving free school meals
Pupils registered for free school meals will be exempt from the AYMS fee. This doesn't include primary pupils entitled to universal free school meals.
If your child is in receipt of free school meals, please contact us for a code before enrolling.
How to register
The deadline to register for sessions is 20th November 2026.
You can register for sessions via the instrumental music service portal. You will have to sign in with myAberdeenshire to access the portal.
Please make sure you complete the section with your emergency contact details.
Register for Youth Music Sessions