New!
Queerly Musical Collective
Make music. Connect. Bring musical theatre to life.
The Queerly Musical Collective brings LGBTQ+ musicians and their allies together to experience the joy of playing and singing musical theatre music.
From the big ensemble numbers of Gilbert and Sullivan to the unforgettable musical theatre anthems of today, you’ll work on music from across the world of Musical Theatre, arranged so adult musicians and singers with different levels of ability (Grades 1 to 8) can be part of creating the same great sound.
This new group launches on Monday 2nd November in Kings Heath.
There are no auditions and your first session is free.
A vibrant and welcoming musical experience
The Queerly Musical Collective has been created by Misfits Music co-founder Rob Jones to bring together two things he cares deeply about: the joy of making music as a group and creating a welcoming space for queer musicians.
Rob, a composer and saxophonist who trained with the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, will be the group's music leader. He aims to create a fun and inclusive experience of making music, with everyone working together to create a vibrant sound.
“I wanted to create the kind of group I’d not only love to be part of myself but I think is really needed in the area, somewhere LGBTQ+ musicians and their allies can come together, meet like-minded people, play fabulous music, and have a great time.”
Rob Jones, Co-founder, Misfits Music
You don’t need to be a perfect player. What matters is being willing to come along, give things a go and enjoy being part of the ensemble.
Play musical theatre favourites together
The group will explore music drawn from musical theatre, with arrangements created especially for the ensemble. Think Rocky Horror Picture Show, Cabaret, Sondheim classics, Gilbert and Sullivan alongside music from The Barbie Movie and Spongebob Musical. We’ll also include plenty of suggestions from members of the group.
You’ll rehearse pieces together week by week, building the music as a group and working towards opportunities to bring it to life in performance.
Whether musical theatre has always been your thing or you simply love great music and want to try something different, you’ll be welcome.
Different abilities.
One ensemble.
You don’t need to be an advanced musician to join the Queerly Musical Collective.
As a guide, our musical parts generally span around Grade 1 to Grade 8 ability or equivalent, so you don’t need to be an advanced musician to take part but equally, if you are more experienced, you will also find it rewarding.
You will need to be able to read music but there is no audition and you don’t need a certificate or a particular grade. The Grade 1–8 description is simply a guide to the range of playing levels our arrangements are designed to accommodate. If you are a singer who hasn’t read music before, but wants to dust off their skills then we encourage you to give it a go.
Maybe you've been playing for years, want to develop your skills, or are returning to an instrument after a long break. Whatever your reason for joining us, you'll find the part for you and will develop your skills and confidence with us.
Try your first session free
You don’t need to decide whether Queerly Musical Collective is right for you before you arrive.
Come along, meet Rob, experience the group and make some music with us.
Your first session is completely free, with no obligation to continue.
After your trial, you can choose from Misfits Music’s available membership and payment options.
All instruments
and voices welcome
The Queerly Musical Collective is open to a wide range of instruments and voices, so the sound of the ensemble will grow and develop around the musicians who join.
Bring along your choice of instrument, together with any equipment you normally use such as a music stand. We’ll provide the music and will let you know anything else you need before your first session.
Not sure whether your instrument or voice would work with our group? Get in touch and ask us.
Don’t have an instrument but want to play rather than sing?
If you don’t yet have an instrument, please don’t let that stop you from joining. We may be able to help you source a suitable instrument. Support may also be available through our instrument support scheme, particularly for people who would otherwise find the cost of an instrument a barrier to taking part. Please note that we are unable to teach you how to play an instrument from a complete beginner during the sessions, but you will improve by being part of the group!
Availability depends on the instruments we have access to, so do talk to us about what you need.
Come and join us
Monday Evenings (Starting 2nd November 2026) | 7.15pm – 8.45pm | Kings Heath
Kings Heath Community Centre,
8 Heathfield Road,
Kings Heath,
Birmingham,
B14 7DB
Meet your group leader
Rob
Rob is a composer and saxophonist with over a decade of professional experience in musical performance and education. His passion for making music accessible to everyone, as well as his keen interest in musical theatre and film, helped inspire the Queerly Musical Collective group.
Who can join?
The Queerly Musical Collective has been created for LGBTQ+ musicians/singers and their allies.
The group is open to singers as well as musicians of different abilities (approximately Grade 1 to Grade 8 or equivalent).
You’ll need to be able to read music, (or be willing to learn if you’re a singer) but there are no auditions.
What should I bring?
Bring your instrument, any equipment you normally need and your music.
We’ll tell you what the group is working on and what you need before your first session.
If you are unable to print music at home, let us know, and we can help.
Don’t have an instrument yet?
If you don’t currently have an instrument, please get in touch. We may be able to help you source a suitable instrument, and, if necessary, you could also apply to have one provided through our instrument support scheme.
How much does it cost?
Your first session is free, so you can experience an orchestral group before deciding whether you’d like to continue.
After your trial, you can choose from our available membership and payment options.
Need help with the cost?
A limited number of fully supported and part-supported places are available for people who would otherwise find it difficult to take part.
You’ll need to apply for a supported place, and we’ll explain what information we need and what happens next.
Got questions?
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You can join as a singer, an instrumentalist, or both. The group will bring voices and instruments together to create musical theatre music.
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All instruments are welcome. The arrangements are created to work with the mix of musicians who join the group, so whether you play strings, woodwind, brass, guitar, keyboards, percussion or something else, we’d love to join us.
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If you’re joining as an instrumentalist, you’ll need to bring your own instrument and any equipment you use with it, including a music stand.
If you don’t currently have an instrument, please get in touch. Misfits Music may be able to help you source one, particularly if cost would otherwise make it difficult for you to take part.
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No. There are no auditions for the group.
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That’s one of the things our approach is designed to help with.
Music is arranged with parts at different levels, so you can choose something that suits your current ability.
As your confidence develops, you can try something more challenging.
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You can choose a more challenging part.
Our arrangements allow more experienced musicians to stretch themselves while still playing the same overall piece as everybody else.
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Yes, you’ll need some ability to read traditional music notation or Guitar TAB.
You don’t need to be an expert sight-reader.
If you mainly enjoy playing from chords or by ear, our Rock Collectives may be a better fit.
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Yes, you can join our Birmingham Drum Battery where you can learn to read music from scratch. You won’t need any prior experience of drumming either!
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No! Alongside traditional orchestral instruments, our groups have included instruments such as accordions, saxophones, recorders, harmonicas and electric guitars.
If you’re unsure whether your instrument would work, get in touch and we’ll advise you.
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Absolutely. Lots of people join a new activity without knowing anyone else there.
You already have one thing in common with everyone in the room: you enjoy making music. And, we’ll help you settle into the group.
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There are opportunities to perform and take part in other activities during the year, but this is optional.
We’ll always explain what each opportunity involves so you know what to expect.
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Choose the group you’d like to try and book your place.
We’ll send you the practical information and music you need before your first session.
At an in-person session, you’ll meet the music leaders and other musicians, get settled and experience playing with the ensemble.
If you’re taking part online, we’ll send you the Zoom information you need so you can join the rehearsal from home.
There’s no audition and no pressure to make a decision on the spot.
Come along, play and see how it feels.
Ready to bring musical theatre to life?
Bring your instrument.
Bring your love of music.
And come and be part of something new.
The Queerly Musical Collective launches on Monday 2nd November.
Your first session is free.
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