FAQs

Can adults get involved or is it just for children?
No, anyone can get involved.

I can't sing, is there any other way I can be involved?
If you want to be creative, there is almost certainly a way to get involved in our projects - check out the 'get involved' page to find out more.

Do I need experience to take part?
Not at all - in fact, Music in the Minster involves singers of all ability and experience. There may also be a small number of solo parts if you do have some experience and want to take it a step further.

Is Music in the Minster a church organisation?
We are called Music in the Minster because our primary venue is Sunderland Minster, although we are not in any way a religious organisation. We involve people of all faiths and from all sectors of the community.

Can I work for Music in the Minster?
We don't have permanent staff, so unfortunately we can't respond to any unsolicited applications for work.

How can I get involved?
Visit our get involved page to see what we have to offer.

Do you have a child protection policy?
Yes. You'll find it on the about us page.

Is Music in the Minster a registered charity?
We certainly are. Our charity number is 1125622.

How is Music in the Minster funded?
Since we started, Music in the Minster has received funding from a number of trusts, foundations, businesses, individuals and other organisations… Check out the partners page for the full list. We don't receive any regular funding, or any funding directly from the state.

Where is Music in the Minster based?
Music in the Minster is based in Sunderland. We love Sunderland, and people come from all around the area to take part. Mostly, we use Sunderland Minster for events, but some of our workshops are also in schools.

My son or daughter is interested in taking part, what do I do now?
Check out the latest opportunities on the news page. You can also contact us to register your interest, to ask a question, or simply to let us put your mind at ease.

My question isn't answered here....
Don't worry! Contact us with your question and we will reply as soon as we can.

What can I do if I have a complaint?

Music in the Minster exists to encourage the appreciation of music, with a particular emphasis on community participation in opera and music theatre – especially for young people, and especially on Wearside.

We try to be as efficient as possible, and are keen to make improvements to make our services more effective and accessible.

We would like to hear from you if you have not been happy with any aspect of our organisation, and want to make a complaint. The following procedure has been set up by Music in the Minster to ensure that your complaint is properly heard.

You have a right to support from an independent advocate or friend at any point during this process.

Music in the Minster will take your complaint seriously and do all it can to ensure that the situation is resolved to your satisfaction.

Step One

If you are unhappy with the service you have received (with an individual in our organisation, or with the organisation as a whole) the first stage will be for you to try to resolve the problem informally with a member of staff or members of the committee.

If you would prefer not to speak to someone who was involved in the situation, then go straight to step two.

Step Two

If your complaint is not resolved through the above actions, the next step is to contact the Chairman at the address below, detailing your complaint by letter marked private and confidential.

Sunderland Minster, High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 3ET

You will receive a response to your complaint within 14 working days.

If you are not satisfied with our response, go to step three.

Step Three

The Chairman will investigate your complaint by talking to you and other people involved in the situation and will follow this up with a full written report, sending you a copy. The report will include any necessary explanations or steps that will be taken to ensure the problem does not recur.

We will aim to send a report to you within a further 14 working days, and will keep you informed of progress.

If you are not satisfied with our response, go to step four.

Step Four

If you are not satisfied that your complaint has been dealt with properly, you may request a full meeting of the committee of Music in the Minster to be convened, to which you will be invited. You may bring a friend or other representative to support or represent you. The meeting will hear your complaint again, and of the internal investigation. It will make a decision regarding appropriate action that may be required to resolve the situation. You will be contacted in writing with their decision. The decision of the committee is final.

We aim to convene the Committee within 21 working days of your request, and write to you within 10 working days of the meeting.