New music hub for the borough
Every child in Merton should have the chance to sing and learn a musical instrument, after a successful bid to the Arts Council.
Merton Music Foundation (MMF) has been selected to lead one of 122 new 'Music Education Hubs' that will play a key role in ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience a high quality music education.
MMF was selected by Arts Council England after its application to drive forward music education development in Merton until March 2015.
The new music education hubs will see a significant shift in the way music education has been delivered to date, both in and out of school.
MMF's partnership will include Merton schools, Merton Council, the Teaching Schools Initiative, Polka Theatre, Wimbledon Civic Theatre Trust, Wimbledon Music Festival and other local and national arts organisations who will work together to promote the highest quality music education provision for local children and young people.
Hubs will be the focus of local partnerships, which aim to give all children a chance to be young musicians and are part of wider government reforms to music education. The aspiration of Hubs is to ensure that every child aged 5-18 has the opportunity to sing and learn a musical instrument, to progress to the next level, and play with other children as part of an ensemble or choir.
John Mander, Chief Executive of MMF said: "We are delighted that Merton Music Foundation has been selected to drive forward Merton's new Music Education Hub. This is a fantastic opportunity to build on and widen the impact of the work that MMF has been providing to Merton’s young people for over 20 years.
"These are exciting times ahead and the opportunity to build on existing and new partnerships with other high quality arts providers will ensure that the wider musical and cultural offer in Merton is something that we can be truly proud of."
Merton Council cabinet member for children's services and education Councillor Maxi Martin said: "This is wonderful news for Merton Music Foundation and for young people in the borough. Music can provide so many cultural, learning and social opportunities.
"The foundation has an excellent track record of delivering music to our younger residents, and I look forward to seeing music education in the borough given a further boost by this new hub status."
May 9, 2012