New hub to give children access to music education

The hub will help provide group music lessons in schools and for children to play in bands and orchestras

A new centre to provide access to music education for children is going to be established in the Black Country.

The Black Country Music Hub will be one of 43 taking part in the national scheme organised by Arts Council England.

Dudley Council said it would work with council-run music services in Walsall and Wolverhampton and not for profit SIPS Music and Education service in Sandwell.

Using £1.9m in government funding, the authority said it would invest in new instruments, equipment and technology.

The money will also support orchestral lessons in school, where all children and young people in a class are able to learn to play an instrument.

The hubs were originally created in 2012 to enable access to education for young people, allowing them to learn instruments and to develop their talents.

Brian Cape, chief executive at SIPS Education said he welcomed the news, which gave the Black Country "a powerful voice on the national stage".

Ciaran O'Donnell, head of music service at City of Wolverhampton Council, added: "I'm delighted that our collective application has been successful.

"This will offer continuity of funding and reassurance to our local schools that the services they receive from the music service can continue.

"Being part of something bigger across the Black Country opens up great potential to develop even broader and stronger partnerships to benefit our children."