*
banner

Arts Council England announce reduction in Music Hubs

There will be a major fall in the number of Music Hubs in England from September 2024 as the Department of Education looks to secure better strategic collaboration and opportunities.

Blackboard
  The number of Music Hubs will fall from 116 to 43.

Arts Council England (ACE) has confirmed that the number of Music Hubs in England will be reduced from 116 to 43 from September 2024.

It follows a final round of consultation with the new set up being published by ACE showing a number of geographical changes.

Reasoning

The Department for Education has stated that its reasoning for the reduction is to secure better strategic collaboration across larger areas that will improve the quality, breadth, and consistency of music education.

It is also hoped that the new set up will see Hubs able to attract high quality leaders and board members as well as identifying new ways of generating income.

It is also hoped that the new structure will offer broader support, collaboration, learning and career development for the music education workforce, more opportunities for research, innovation and exploration and enhance the understanding of the quality and impact of music education on the lives of children and young people.

The Department for Education has stated that its reasoning for the reduction is to secure better strategic collaboration across larger areas that will improve the quality, breadth, and consistency of music education4BR

2024

The DfE has stated that the new structure does not mean fewer organisations being involved with Music Hub partnerships, although new Hubs will probably comprise several delivery organisations.

They admitted that whilst some organisations may choose to merge, a majority are likely to continue to operate independently under the governance of the larger Hubs.

Concerns

Funding for Hubs which has been in place since 2012, will remain the same until the end of the 2024/25 academic year. Those organisations wishing to become Hubs under the new structure can apply form 17th July, with the new organisations announced in April 2024.

The Musicians' Union has raised concerns, stating that: "While the opportunities presented in the rationale sound positive, the backdrop is long-term under-funding and a demoralised workforce often on low pay and precarious contracts."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Perth

Scots combine for Perth preview

February 26 • Five Scottish Championship challengers to preview their title preparations ahead of their Perth Concert Hall appearances.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

February 26 • Martin Upfold hosts programmes full of brass band music over the next two weekends.


Previw

Black Dyke to host Area spotlights

February 26 • The defending Yorkshire Area champion will lead a Friday evening of test-piece previews in Ossett.


Verwood

Report & Results: 2025 ODBBA Contest

February 26 • Area run outs prove popular in Witney as Verwood Concert Brass lead the confidence boosting victories ahead of Regional challenges.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 28 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Contest: Yorkshire Regional Championships

Saturday 1 March • Corporation Street, Huddersfield HD1 2TA


Haverhill Silver Band - Waterbeach Brass, Concert in Histon Baptist Church

Saturday 1 March • Histon Baptist Church, Cambridge CB24 9LQ


Contest: Yorkshire Regional Championships

Sunday 2 March • Corporation Street, Huddersfield HD1 2TA


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 2 March • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street, . Greenwich, . London, SE10 9BJ


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

February 20 • Reading Band still needs LOWER BRASS for the 4th section contest at Stevenage on Saturday 15th March! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings.


Boarshurst Silver Band

February 17 • Boarshurst Silver Band, NW Championship Section, requires a BBb player, flugel, and front row cornet player. Under MD Jamie Prophet, the band have an ambitious and varied calendar for 2025, including NW Area, Spring Festival and Whit Friday.


Mid Rhondda Band

February 14 • Mid Rhondda Band are looking for the following players : Front Row Cornet, Solo Trombone, Eb Bass, Kit and Tuned Percussionists. The band will be competing in the 3rd Section at the Welsh Area. Contest & concert engagements in the diary for 2025


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd