Devon Music Education Hub to be created from September

All children throughout Devon, Plymouth and Torbay will continue to have the chance to play an instrument, learn to sing and create music with the creation of a single Devon Music Education Hub.

From September Devon County Council (DCC), which is responsible for the existing Music Hubs for Devon and Torbay, will work with Plymouth Youth Music Service and lead music education provision across the region.

It follows the recent announcement by Arts Council England and the Department for Education for a new generation of Music Hubs, covering every part of England – and following a competitive application process, DCC has now been confirmed as one of 43 new Hub Lead Organisations.

Hubs work with schools, music educators and a range of local, regional and national partner organisations and they provide an inclusive, diverse and relevant music education to all children and young people.

The new Devon Music Educational Hub will be one of 43 across the country which will provide high-quality music education and teacher training and give children the opportunity to pursue their musical interests and develop their skills.

It will support new and existing opportunities for children and young people to engage with making and creating music, both in and out-of-school to realise the aspirations of the National Plan for Music Education.

This plan aims to give all children and young people from all backgrounds the same opportunity to develop their musical talents.

The new Hubs will also help to deliver the Arts Council’s strategy, Let’s Create, which aims to improve access to creativity and culture for all children.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Schools said: “‘I am delighted that Devon County Council’s application to become the new Hub Lead Organisation for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay has been successful.

“As a member of the advisory board for Devon & Torbay Music Education Hubs for several years, and a past member of the Devon Youth Symphony Orchestra, I have seen firsthand the excellent work that the team does to support children and young people to make music, as well as the outstanding provision that is offered to our schools. By working in partnership with Plymouth City Council, we can extend this work across the entire region, providing hugely valuable music education opportunities for all children and young people.”

Councillor Sally Cresswell, Plymouth City Council’s representative on the Plymouth Music Education Hub Advisory Board, said: “We’re pleased to be working collaboratively with Devon County Council to develop the new Music Hub, which will ensure that children and young people in Plymouth continue to receive music education and creative opportunities, both in and out of school. Creative learning is hugely important; not only is it great for personal wellbeing but it also opens up so many exciting future career opportunities.”

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.”