Musical hubs across the East Midlands revealed

Arts Council England, on behalf of the Department for Education, has unveiled a fresh cohort of Music Hubs spanning every region of England.

Building upon the foundational work of existing Music Education Hubs since 2011, the newly established hubs will be overseen by 43 hub lead organisations starting from September 2024.

Musical hubs across the East Midlands include Derby and Derbyshire, under the Derby and Derbyshire Music Partnership, Leicester and Leicestershire, under the Leicestershire Schools Music Service, Lincolnshire, under Lincolnshire Music Service and Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, under Culture, Learning and Libraries (Midlands) – Nottinghamshire Music Hub.

The nationwide initiative aims to deliver music education to all children and young people by investing in musical activities, equipment, and teacher training.

New Hub lead organisations will benefit from total funding of over £101m from the Department for Education.

This includes £76m allocated for the Music Hubs program and an additional £25m earmarked for investment in musical instruments, equipment, and technology, with a focus on resources tailored for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Minister for Arts, Heritage & Libraries, Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, said “This investment helps to deliver the Government’s plan for music education — including £25 million for musical instruments so that more children, whatever their background, can enjoy the life-changing benefits of music.

“Whether it’s encouraging young people to pursue a career in our growing creative industries, or simply introducing new generations to the pleasure of music-making, this funding will help to unlock opportunities and nurture talent across the country — and demonstrate, as our national plan does, the power of music to change lives.”