Music charity buys permanent home after 40 years

Gloucester Academy of Music provides lessons, group sessions, courses, and masterclasses to all ages

A charity that provides music education is celebrating buying its site after a three-year fundraising campaign.

Gloucestershire Academy of Music (GAM) has been renting Barbican House in Gloucester for ten years but has now bought the building from Gloucester Council.

For over 40 years GAM has been providing lessons, group sessions, courses, and masterclasses to all ages.

GAM’s executive director Richie Ashton-Phillips said: “This is a pivotal moment not only for our wonderful charity, but also for music and arts education in Gloucestershire."

Three years ago GAM set out to raise £500,000 to buy its premises and successfully raised over £400,000.

The academy provides music, arts and drama education to more than 600 participants aged between 3 and 83 every week.

GAM have plans to adapt the space to enable more people to use the site, including making it more accessible for disabled people.

They also plan to make an atrium, create a new entrance hall and re-configure rooms to create better rehearsal spaces.

Mr Ashton-Phillips said: “We can’t express how grateful we are to the city council for their support and also for the generosity of everyone who donated towards our three-year fundraising appeal."

Councillor Jeremy Hilton said: “We’re delighted to help secure a future for the Gloucestershire Academy of Music, ensuring that it can continue the valuable work it does for our community—and hopefully thrive for another 40 years and beyond."

Councillor Caroline Courtney, cabinet member for culture and leisure said: “Music and culture play a pivotal role in the life of any vibrant city, and not only enrich our daily lives but also contribute significantly to the economy."