With effect from 1 September 2024, the newly combined Music Hub for both Somerset and Dorset will be led by the Octagon Theatre as a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), replacing the previous Music Hub for Somerset, Sound Foundation Somerset.
PLEASE NOTE: This website is in the process of being updated to reflect this change whilst a new Hub website is being developed. Prices quoted do not reflect the current position and content may be subject to change. For further information about the new Music Hub for Dorset and Somerset, please use the Contact Us section below.
The Theatre’s appointment is part of an ambitious national Department for Education funded programme to provide high-quality music education for all children and young people and it is now one of 44 Hub Lead Organisations (HLOs) nationally, appointed by Arts Council England (ACE). Somerset will work with Dorset in a strong collaboration which will draw on the expertise of partners and stakeholders from across the existing music education hub communities to coordinate and deliver high quality, inclusive music and creative learning opportunities for children and young people, as well as training for staff working in schools.
The Octagon was awarded National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status from ACE in 2023, and as the new HLO will now also receive just under £1.1 million of revenue grant to coordinate music education in the local area, plus around £360,000 to invest in new musical instruments, equipment and technology tailored to the needs of children and young people in Dorset and Somerset, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Our main delivery partners will continue to be Somerset Music and Dorset Music Service for the areas of Somerset and Dorset respectively.
WHAT ARE MUSIC HUBS?
Music Hubs are groups of organisations – such as local authorities, schools, other hubs, art organisations, community or voluntary organisations – working together to create joined-up music education provision, respond to local need and fulfil the vision, aims, objectives and strategic functions for Music Hubs as set out in the Department for Education’s document “The Power of Music to Change Lives: a national plan for music education”.
The vision for Music Hub partnerships is to enable all children and young people to learn to sing, play an instrument and create music together, and have the opportunity to progress their musical interests and talents, including professionally.
Underpinning this vision, Music Hub partnerships will be expected to focus on the
following three aims:
- Support schools & other educational settings to deliver high-quality music education;
- Support young people to develop their musical interests and talent further, including into employment.
- Support all children and young people to engage with a range of musical opportunities in and out of school.
These partnerships are co-ordinated by a Hub Lead Organisation (HLO) and can include schools, local authorities, community groups, music organisations, industry and more. There is a Music Hub for every area of England so all children and young people can access high-quality music education.
In achieving these aims, HLOs will have responsibility for 5 strategic functions:
PARTNERSHIPS
Take a leading role in building a sustainable, local infrastructure for high-quality music education and music-making, in partnerships with schools, early years and other education providers, community music organisations, and other regional and national youth music organisations. Capture this offer in a Local Plan for Music Education.
SCHOOLS
Support all state-funded schools in the area through ongoing relationships to help them deliver high-quality music education, including a quality curriculum support offer, specialist tuition, instruments and ensembles; and a broad range of progression routes and musical experiences for all pupils.
PROGRESSION & MUSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Support children and young people to develop and progress with music, including into national or specialist opportunities, higher education and employment, so that the chance to be involved in high-quality music-making is shared widely in our society. Support children and young people to access the wider world of music, including live performance and community music.
INCLUSION
Drive broad access to music education, so every child has the opportunity to participate irrespective of their circumstances, background, where they live or their SEND.
SUSTAINABILITY
Ensure the strategic, financial, and operational sustainability of the music hub by:
- supporting a dynamic and well-trained workforce
- leveraging DfE funding to develop wider investment into young people’s music from a range of sources and revenue streams
- being accountable and transparent by publishing plans, needs analysis and impact data
- considering and acting in the hub’s environmental responsibilities.
You can read the full content of the National Plan for Music Education (NPME) via the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-power-of-music-to-change-lives-a-national-plan-for-music-education
For further information including background on the recent Music Hub Investment Programme, please visit the Arts Council’s website: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/MusicEducationHubs
HOW ARE HUBS FUNDED?
Hubs are funded through formal funding agreements with Arts Council England (ACE). Each HLO will receive a proportion of the overall funding amount based on a share of the overall number of eligible pupils in their local authority area(s).
