Hertfordshire Music Service appointed to lead Hertfordshire Music Hub

Hertfordshire Music Service, a part of Hertfordshire County Council, has been appointed by Arts Council England to lead the Hertfordshire 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 Hertfordshire region, Hertfordshire Music Service will receive £2,222,372 from the Department for Education. Hertfordshire Music Service will receive £1,672,854 to coordinate music education in the local area, plus £549,518 to invest in new musical instruments, equipment and technology tailored to the needs of children and young people in Hertfordshire, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

Hertfordshire Music Service will deliver high quality music education accessible to all children and young people in Hertfordshire through diverse partnerships between educational, creative and community organisations, in their local communities and throughout the country.

Hertfordshire Music Service’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.

Lisa Quinlan-Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of Hertfordshire Music Service said: ‘We are extremely proud to be the lead partner for the Hertfordshire Music Education Hub. This enables us to deliver our vision of ensuring that all of Hertfordshire’s children and young people, regardless of background or circumstances, have the opportunity to discover or develop their unique musical voice and express themselves through the language of music.

‘Through our continued work with partners and the development of new partnerships, we aim to provide engaging life-long music education, committed to delivering high-quality music education and create positive outcomes for generations to come.

‘This reflects the dedication of the Hertfordshire Music Service in fostering musical growth and inclusivity within the community.’

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.’

Cllr Caroline Clapper, Executive Member for Education, Libraries & Lifelong Learning at Hertfordshire County Council, said: ‘I am absolutely thrilled that the Hertfordshire Music Service has been awarded the prestigious role of lead organisation for the Hertfordshire Music Education Hub.

‘This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to nurturing musical ability, fostering creativity, and providing equitable access to music education for young residents across Hertfordshire.

‘With this responsibility, we look forward to attaining the aspirations of, delivering a joyous musical journey to, and orchestrating a musical future for everyone in Hertfordshire.

‘This momentous occasion is a testament to the dedication and passion of the entire team at Hertfordshire Music Service. Let the music play on!’

For more information about Hertfordshire Music Service and the services on offer to young people across Hertfordshire visit www.hertsmusicservice.org.uk.