£750,000 boost for school music classes

IMPROVEMENTS to music teaching in schools across Peterborough are on the cards after a new £750,000 scheme was approved.

Peterborough City Council has succeeded in its bid to Arts Council England to set up a new “music hub” for primary and secondary schools in the city.

The three-year project, which starts in September, will see £750,000 go towards providing schools with new musical instruments and specialist music teachers.

The scheme aims to ensure all primary school pupils in the city will have access to a wide number of in- struments such as violins, trumpets, drums, trombones, clarinets and saxophones to get children interested in music at an early age.

It will also ensure that specialist music teachers and extra music lessons are provided for all secondary school pupils in the city.

Bosses at the council say the scheme will boost the quality of music teaching in the city and give schools currently unable to teach music due to budget constraints, a chance to do so.

Susie Hall, equalities, services to schools and governance manager for the council, said: “Music provision is vital for our young people.

“Playing an instrument is exciting and helps to build confidence and enthusiasm for learning.

“Until recently music provision in schools has not always been available to everyone.

“This funding will mean that all primary schools will have access to instruments and all schools will have opportunities to develop their music programmes.”

Peterborough is one of 11 music hubs which are being created in the Eastern region by Arts Council England.

Helen Lax, regional director Arts Council England, East, said: “The hubs that have been selected in the East will be instrumental in guaranteeing a rich and stimulating music education for every young person.

“These educational bodies, professional and community music organisations will work together at a local level to provide high quality music opportunities.

“Using their combined expertise, the hubs will encourage the development of young people’s musical talent whether that’s playing, composing or performing, through classroom activities, ensemble and orchestral opportunities, choirs and music technology.”