Berkshire Music Trust appointed to lead Berkshire Music Hub
Berkshire Music Trust has been appointed by Arts Council England to lead the Berkshire Music Hub from September 2024, as part of an ambitious national programme to provide high-quality music education for all children and young people.
As the new Hub Lead Organisation for the Berkshire region, Berkshire Music Trust will receive £1.7 million from the Department for Education. This much needed funding will enable Berkshire Music Trust to coordinate music education in the local area, as well as to invest in new musical instruments, equipment and technology tailored to the needs of children and young people in Berkshire, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
The Berkshire Music Hub will deliver high quality music education accessible to all children and young people in West Berkshire, Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell Forest, Windsor & Maidenhead and Slough through diverse partnerships between educational, creative and community organisations, in their local communities and throughout the county. This new partnership with Slough Music Service will facilitate more opportunities for children and young people across the whole Berkshire region as Berkshire Music Trust and Slough Music Service work together in this innovative way.
Dawn Wren, CEO of the Berkshire Music Trust said: “I am beyond delighted that our bid has been successful as fundamentally this partnership with Slough Music Service will enable us to reach and empower more children and young people than ever before.”
Rebecca Richardson, Head of Slough Music Service said: “I am extremely pleased with the outcome of the bid. I am sure that our new partnership with Berkshire Music Trust will result in continuation of high quality music education in Slough, as well as allowing us to further develop our ability to provide music for all.”
Berkshire Music Trust’s appointment is part of a major investment in a new generation of the nationwide network of Music Hubs. This investment will help to deliver the Government’s National Plan for Music Education and give all children and young people the opportunity to develop their musical interests as far as they wish, including helping them to begin careers in the music industry.
Jon Carroll, Chair of the Berkshire Music Trust said: “We are thrilled to be appointed to lead the Berkshire Music Hub and are grateful for the significant investment from Arts Council England and the Department for Education. This funding will enable us to provide the highest quality music education to all children and young people throughout Berkshire, regardless of their background or ability. We look forward to working with our partners across the county – and beyond -to deliver a vibrant and inclusive programme that inspires creativity, builds confidence, and fosters a lifelong love of music – truly making music for everyone.”
Darren Henley, Chief Executive of 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.”
Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “We are so pleased to bring forward a new generation of Music Hubs in the South East, ensuring all children and young people can learn and make music. They will do so thanks to the investment committed by the Department for Education, including an additional fund to invest in musical instruments, equipment and technology so that children and young people’s creativity can flourish. We are thrilled to help nurture the musical interests of all children and young people in the South East, no matter who they are, or where they live.”
