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CAUTION COLLECTIVE FESTIVE SHOW

CAUTION COLLECTIVE FESTIVE SHOW

Dec 8, 2025

We’re having a gig at Music House, and it’s shaping up to be something truly special.

Leeds’ finest talents. All under one roof. A night filled with soul, energy and world-class music.


Caution Collective — the best-kept secret you’ll want to share — are joining us for an exclusive performance that promises to lift the roof and leave you buzzing long after the final note.

Expect powerful vocals, beautiful harmonies and the kind of musicianship that stays with you. You’ll see performances from incredible Caution Collective members, backed by a full live band bringing that unmistakable Caution magic.

Whether you’re a long-time supporter or completely new to their sound, this is the perfect chance to experience something extraordinary right here at Music House. Bring your friends, bring your family and settle in for an unforgettable night.


Book Your Tickets here

 

Farewell to Michael – A Music House Legend

Farewell to Michael – A Music House Legend

Dec 4, 2025

After more than 20 years at Music House, Michael is retiring. Since joining in 2000, he has taught countless students, sharing his skill, patience and love of music.

Michael has always cherished the people he’s worked with and the camaraderie of our community and his guidance has helped generations of young musicians grow in confidence and skill.

As he steps into retirement, Michael looks forward to spending time with his wife and continuing to play music – a lifelong passion that has inspired everyone he’s taught.

One pupil reflects: “I have hugely enjoyed the last six years tuition with Michael, who has provided wonderful guidance and a thoroughly professional approach to my learning. I will very much miss my weekly session with him.”

We wish Michael all the very best in this next chapter and thank him for everything he has given to Music House.

It has been a huge pleasure and privilege and we are going to miss Michael – he is such a kind human who is always impeccably dressed.  

Celebrating Dagmar: 31 Years of Dedication at Music House

Celebrating Dagmar: 31 Years of Dedication at Music House

Dec 4, 2025

 After an incredible 31 years of service, our much-loved administrator, Dagmar, is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, care and unwavering support for everyone at Music House. From her early days in our old Shire Oak building to the bustling hub of Music House HQ, Dagmar has been at the heart of our organisation, the very central nervous system keeping everything running smoothly.

Over the years, Dagmar has managed an astonishing range of responsibilities – from coordinating day-to-day administration, keeping our systems and schedules in order, to overseeing communications, bookings and paperwork with her meticulous touch. She’s also been a friendly first point of contact for visitors, families and young people, providing a warm welcome and always ensuring everyone feels supported.

Beyond the admin desk, Dagmar’s contribution to the pastoral care of our community has been invaluable. She has quietly listened, offered guidance, and provided reassurance whenever it was needed, making her a reassuring presence for staff, students and families alike. Her steady dedication, patience and care have helped shape the culture of Music House into the welcoming, vibrant space it is today.

As Dagmar steps into retirement, we celebrate her remarkable commitment and the countless ways she has supported our work, our people and our mission. She will be greatly missed and we wish her a future filled with joy, relaxation and plenty of music!

We have the tissues ready because there will be tears. What do they say? It’s not goodbye it’s Au-revoir.

If you know Dagmar and would like to send her a card, you know our address or drop one in by hand. We will be giving her a hero’s send off – but we know she will always be very close in our hearts. 

 

Six Weeks In – Our Young Musicians Are Hitting All the Right Notes

Six Weeks In – Our Young Musicians Are Hitting All the Right Notes

Dec 4, 2025

We’re three weeks into our six-week beginner courses, and what a joy it’s been to watch the children discovering the magic of music! From piano keys to guitar strings, violin bows to singing notes, they’re having an absolutely tune-tastic time while learning skills that will stay with them for life and spark their musicality.

Each session is full of fun, creativity, and teamwork, helping children to:
• Learn basic chord shapes and simple songs
• Develop rhythm, finger coordination, and pitching
• Build confidence, make friends, and enjoy group activities

And there’s even more to look forward to, after the six weeks, one child from each instrument group who shows particular promise or enthusiasm will be offered 12 free individual half-hour lessons – a wonderful chance to go further with their music.

All sessions are full, which is just brilliant and shows how important this project is for our young people. We’ve captured some heartwarming moments on video and in photos and as soon as we have all the consents in place, we’ll be sharing them with you.

Don’t miss a moment – follow us on Instagram for updates, and remember to like our YouTube channel, where all our digital content is shared!

Music Memories: Bringing Memories to Life Through Music

Music Memories: Bringing Memories to Life Through Music

Dec 4, 2025

 

We’re thrilled to announce that Music Memories will launch on Tuesday 6 January and will continue every two weeks thereafter for at least FREE 10 sessions (all locations to be confirmed).

We’re so grateful to Leeds City Council for their support in making this project possible.

Our fantastic facilitators will be visiting seniors across Woodhouse, Little London and Chapeltown, bringing with them a gorgeous record player and a carefully chosen selection of vinyl.

Each visit is designed to do more than play music – it’s about sparking memories, laughter and conversation, and creating moments of genuine connection. It’s amazing how a single song can bring a room to life, unlock stories tucked away for years, and fill hearts with nostalgia and joy.

We’ll be spending time with members of Leeds Black Elders Forum, Leeds Older People’s Forum and many other groups where older residents meet, share and enrich community life. With the support of Leeds City Council, we’re proud to launch a project that will bring comfort, companionship and a little bit of magic to our community every step of the way.

 

Find out more about Music Memories

 

 

 

This project is funded by Leeds City Council which means we can offer free sessions to seniors in our local communities. 

 

A Night of Hope, Music and Community: Kidney Research Yorkshire Gala Dinner

A Night of Hope, Music and Community: Kidney Research Yorkshire Gala Dinner

Dec 4, 2025

On Saturday 1 November 2025, the historic Queens Hotel in Leeds came alive for a truly unforgettable evening — the Kidney Research Yorkshire Gala Dinner. The event was completely sold out, bringing together supporters, families and friends for a night of fine dining, entertainment and meaningful fundraising for a cause that affects so many in our communities.

As many of you know, Music House much loved and admired trustee Sheila Howarth lives with kidney disease and undergoes kidney dialysis three times a week, each session lasting four hours — a gruelling routine by any standard. Yet Sheila never complains. Her strength, grace and commitment to others continue to inspire everyone around her.

Despite her own health challenges, Sheila played a key role in organising this year’s Gala Dinner, an event designed not only to raise vital funds for research but also to shine a light on a condition that disproportionately affects Black and Asian communities. Kidney disease is often silent until it is advanced, making awareness and early understanding essential.

One of the highlights of the night was a stunning performance by the Music House Gospel Choir, invited by Sheila herself and led by Creative Director Christella Litras. Their uplifting performance filled the ballroom with energy and emotion. A special moment came when 14-year-old Carmen, Sheila’s granddaughter, stepped forward to deliver powerful lead vocals — a performance met with huge applause and plenty of proud tears.

Guests enjoyed a champagne reception, a three-course dinner and a fabulous evening of live entertainment, along with a silent auction and raffle to boost fundraising for life-changing kidney research.

Reflecting on the night, Sheila shared:

“Kidney disease is a silent killer, especially in Black and Asian communities. We need more understanding, more awareness and more research. Last night showed what can happen when people come together with love and purpose. I’m so grateful to everyone who supported us — we really can make a difference.”

From the music to the stories shared, the Gala Dinner was a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we stand together.

Together, we really can make a difference.

To support Kidney Research Yorkshire and to donate please click here


Sheila Howarth and her husband.

A Legacy in Every Note: Fay Atherton’s Piano Finds a New Home at Music House

A Legacy in Every Note: Fay Atherton’s Piano Finds a New Home at Music House

Nov 20, 2025

Music House welcomed a beautiful gift with a beautiful story behind it.

A piano once loved and played by Fay Atherton has been donated to us by her son Mark, after Fay sadly passed away at the age of 90.

Fay was a piano teacher whose quiet patience and steady hands helped many children discover their confidence and their sound.

Mark shared, “Mum was a piano teacher. She taught my daughter to play and she was affectionately known as Granny Fay to her grandchildren. As she is no longer with us, we have decided to donate the piano to a good home.

Mum would be so pleased it’s gone to Music House where it can really make a difference to other people’s musical journey.”

We are incredibly grateful for this thoughtful gift. Fay’s piano will live on in the hands of new young players, carrying her love of music forward note by note.

Mark and his family have expressed a desire to come to Music House in December to hear how his beloved Mum’s legacy will live on. We cannot wait to meet and greet them and have a good chat over a cup of tea and to hear more about Fay’s wonderful life.

From her photo, we can see what a kind, beautiful woman she was and is.

   

 

   

Music House Gospel Choir Shine at WYCA Celebration

Music House Gospel Choir Shine at WYCA Celebration

Nov 12, 2025

We’re delighted to share that the Music House Gospel Choir were invited to perform at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) staff celebration at Wakefield Exchange on the morning of Wednesday 12 November.

The invitation came personally from the office of Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, and it was an honour for our choir to kick off the day on stage from 9.30am, performing for around 30 minutes as over 450 staff members gathered to celebrate.

Under the expert direction of Leroy Johnson, with creative support from our brilliant Creative Director, Christella Listras, the choir delivered uplifting renditions including Shackles and Emmanuel. Their energy and harmonies set the perfect tone for the morning — and judging by the photos, even Mayor Tracy was dancing along and fully in the moment!

A special highlight of the performance was Zak, one of our very own local talents and a Channel 4 The Piano finalist. Having supported Zak on his musical journey, we were so proud to see him mesmerise the audience with his incredible piano playing. His performance perfectly complemented the choir and was a shining example of local talent nurtured and celebrated.

In total, 24 choir members generously gave up their time to be part of the event, and as always, they were absolutely fantastic.

We’re so proud of our Gospel Choir for representing Music House so brilliantly and for helping showcase the remarkable talent we’re lucky to support in our community.

(Photos featuring Christella, Zak and Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire ..videos will be available soon)

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Music House Celebrated at Leeds Compassionate City Awards

Music House Celebrated at Leeds Compassionate City Awards

Nov 10, 2025

Music House is thrilled to have been recognised at this year’s Leeds Compassionate City Awards, which celebrate the individuals and organisations making a real difference across Leeds. Taking place on Thursday 6 November, the awards shine a light on the everyday work of people and community groups who make the city a better place to live, work and visit.

We were amazed to have been nominated for Community Organisation or Project of the Year and even prouder that our very talented Creative Director, Christella Litras was also shortlisted for an individual award.

The event took place on Thursday 6 November 2025. We are overjoyed to announce that Music House is ‘highly commended’ in the category Community Organisation or Project of the Year.

“This award is such an honour,” said Sheila Rani Sispal, Marketing and Communications. “It reflects the hard work, passion and creativity of everyone at Music House, and the amazing support we receive from our community. We are proud to be part of a city that values compassion and creativity.”

Christella Litras added, “I’m incredibly inspired by our team and the young people we work with every day. Being recognised in this way is a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do, and it inspires us to keep growing and supporting our community through music.”

It was such a special evening celebrating the amazing work being done across Leeds to make our city a kinder, more compassionate place. We had a wonderful time connecting with so many inspiring people and sharing the Music House story.

A huge thank you to our brilliant team, the children and families we work with and everyone who supports us – this award is for you too!

The event was attended by:
Trustees: David Hughes, Nick Wayne, Sheila Howarth
Creative Director, Christella Litras
Marketing and Communications, Sheila Rani Sispal

       

Sheila Howarth: A Local Hero, A Lifelong Champion of Young People

Sheila Howarth: A Local Hero, A Lifelong Champion of Young People

Jul 17, 2025

Sheila Howarth is one of our amazing Trustees—and a true force for good in Leeds. After 25 years of dedicated service, she’s retiring from Leeds City Academy, where she changed countless lives through her support, honesty and fierce belief in young people.

One former student said it best:
“I was always in trouble—detention, isolation, nearly excluded—but Mrs Howarth never gave up on me. She fought for me and fought with me. Even now, years after I left, she’s still opening doors for me. I wouldn’t be where I am without her.”

That’s who Sheila is. A second mum. A champion. A mentor. A relentless advocate for the next generation.

As well as her work in education, Sheila has been Front of House Manager at Leeds Playhouse for over 30  years—welcoming audiences with warmth, care and that unmistakable Sheila sparkle.

Beyond the school gates and theatre walls, she’s just as inspiring. Sheila works tirelessly in her Chapeltown community—leading, uplifting, and creating spaces for young people to shine. She founded the UK’s first Young Reggae Choir, who had the incredible honour of performing at King Charles’ Coronation Concert. And every summer, she hand-makes dazzling carnival costumes for Unity Carnival Arts—a vibrant children’s troupe she leads with pride and purpose.

This year’s theme is “Wings of Peace”—a beautiful celebration of hope, freedom and togetherness. With shimmering feathers, radiant colours and joyful energy, Unity Carnival Arts is a living reflection of everything Sheila stands for: unity, creativity and lifting others up.

Her creativity, kindness and commitment ripple through everything she touches. And if you’ve heard the name Carmen—Sheila’s gifted granddaughter with a voice beyond her years—you’ll know Sheila’s legacy is already being carried forward.

From classrooms to carnival routes, from choir rehearsals to theatre foyers, Sheila is the heart and soul of so many good things. We’re endlessly grateful for her wisdom, her humour, and her huge, generous heart.

She’s one in a million—and we’re so lucky she’s one of ours.

.               

Left to right:
Sheila Howarth.
A  plaque in Sheila’s honour.
Sheila with her brother Raymond who’s also retiring from his job at Leeds City Academy after 23 years service (and has been honoured with a plaque in his name also).