Arts Council funding for centre to aid young musicians
More than £830,000 has been awarded to establish a music education hub in Hounslow.
The Arts Council money will enable children, aged five to 18, to sing, learn an instrument and perform with other students as part of a choir or ensemble.
The hub is led by the council’s music service and brings together organisations involved with music in the borough in a joined up service for children and young people, both in and out of school.
Cllr Steve Curran, cabinet member for education and housing at the London Borough of Hounslow, said: “It is important that every child has the chance to take part in, and enjoy music, so this is great news for the borough.
“This funding means that not only will every child have this opportunity, but they will be able to develop their talent to its full potential.
“This new hub will build on our enviable reputation and the strong links we already have with local groups and professionals such as The Philharmonia Orchestra, Watermans, JLIS and the University of West London.”
Hounslow’s hub will continue to deliver instrumental tuition, bands, choirs and orchestras for more than 7,000 children every week, and will ensure they can experience world class performances and workshops by continuing to work alongside our partners.
There will also be a project to support local musicians as they move from primary to secondary schools with GCSE pupils composing music for children in their local primary schools. This will then be performed by the pupils with support from musicians from the Philharmonia Orchestra.
The borough’s ensembles will have the chance to perform at national and regional events such as Music for Youth and The Mayor of London’s Rhythm of London events.
May 1, 2012