New education hubs to offer music for pupils

More children will be able to learn a musical instrument after five music services in the region were named as education hubs in a shake-up.

Staffordshire Performing Arts, Walsall's Forest Arts Centre, Wolverhampton Music Service, Sandwell Music Service and Dudley Performing Arts have all won the specialist status.

The new status will unlock millions of pounds worth of funding.

The new music education hubs will work to make sure all children, regardless of where they come from, get access to music teaching both in and out of school.

All children will be given the chance to play an instrument or sing in a choir.

The Arts Council England said the new structure will prompt a significant shift in the way music is taught to children aged five to 18.

Ros Robins, regional director for Arts Council England, said: "We know that experiences of learning music help children to improve across the whole curriculum, as well as providing an important part of young peoples' cultural education.

"The music education hubs will provide opportunities for young people to take part in musical experiences that will remain with them for the rest of their lives."

Each music education hub has been allocated a recommended funding grant.

Staffordshire Performing Arts is to get £3,333,264; Walsall Forest Arts Centre in Leamore is to get £1,372,289; Sandwell Music Service has been recommended £1,475,697;

Dudley Performing Arts is in line for £1,228,863 and Wolverhampton Music Service will get £809,801.

Music education hubs are expected to be in place from August this year. Meetings will be held between the Arts Council England and music hub bosses over the coming weeks.

Music hubs will work more closely with schools to maximise the potential of children.