Forty-three organisations chosen to lead Music Hubs

Forty-three organisations have been appointed to lead music hubs across England from September 2024.

The Music Hubs form part of a national programme providing a high-quality musical education for all young people through investment in musical activities, equipment and teacher training. The programme is run by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE).

New Hub Lead Organisations will receive over £101 million from the DfE. This includes £76 million in regular funding for the Music Hubs programme and £25 million to invest in musical instruments, equipment and technology, including resources specifically designed for children and young people with SEND.

The Hub Lead Organisations will work in partnership with schools, colleges, universities, cultural organisations, local authorities and other educational, creative and community organisations to deliver a broad range of musical activities which are inclusive to pupils from all backgrounds, as well as access to teachers working with a wider variety of instruments, supported by a more connected music education workforce.

They also plan to work with world class organisations including Glyndebourne Festival Opera, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and BBC Proms to give children and young people more opportunities to benefit from connections with England’s thriving music industry.

The Hubs will help to deliver the government’s National Plan for Music Education.

This plan aims to give all children and young people the opportunity to develop their musical talents fully by ensuring they have the chance to learn to sing, play instruments, and make music with their peers.

The new Hubs will also help to deliver the Arts Council’s 2020-30 year strategy, Let’s Create, which aims to improve access to creativity and culture for all children, regardless of background or where they live.

Darren Henley, chief executive at Arts Council England, said: “Music education is enormously powerful – it can enrich young people’s lives, help them connect with the people around them, and start them on the pathway to fruitful and fulfilling careers.

"We are excited to announce this investment in a new generation of Music Hubs, which will support the brilliant work of our dedicated music teachers across the country, and help bring high-quality music education to even more children and young people in every part of England.”

School standards minister, Damian Hinds, said “Studying and engaging with music isn’t a privilege, it’s a vital part of a broad and ambitious curriculum – and all children and young people should have access to an excellent music education and all the knowledge and joy it brings.

“Music Hubs play a crucial role in delivering high quality music education in England, and our newly announced Hub Lead Organisations will ensure every child across the country has the chance to develop a love for music, whether it’s through singing, learning to play an instrument or creating their own music.”