£2.3 million boost for music education in Hampshire
There will be investment in instruments, equipment and technology
Hampshire County Council’s Music Service is to benefit from a £2.3 million investment by Arts Council England.
£1.7million of the funding will support the Music Service to continue providing music education across Hampshire.
The other £600,000 will be used to invest in musical instruments, equipment and technology to further develop learning opportunities for children and young people.
The funding is part of a major national investment in high quality music provision for children and young people.
Hampshire’s Music Service will now become the lead organisation in a hub of local partners including schools, community groups and music organisations, working together to deliver and support music education across Hampshire.
Councillor Steve Forster is Dorset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education.
He says the funding will support schools heavily impacted by budget restrictions:
“We're hoping that this money will be able to focus on those particular areas that are most under pressure and where the children are likely to suffer by missing out.”
“We can then plug that gap and make sure that they still have access to the whole cultural and musical aspect by giving the schools the instruments and the resources they need, so that they can deliver high quality music learning.”
Councillor Forster also explained why music is such an important aspect of education.
“Music is important because it breaks down barriers and builds self esteem.”
If children and young people have inclusive opportunities to learn from music and get the right support, then we see the benefits to their mental health, the benefits to their well-being.”
“That gives us a side benefit for the schools where we see increased attendance, positive engagement, working with their peers, and boosted confidence.”
“So all in all, it's great for the individuals and it's great for everybody in those schools.”
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