Music hub to help more children learn instruments

A new music hub to give more children the opportunity to learn an instrument has been launched in South Yorkshire.

It is part of a national programme to provide high-quality music education and combines the four existing hubs in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

The hub is funded by the Arts Council, and will receive an extra £600,000 from the Department of Education to invest in new instruments, equipment and technology.

South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard said the county had brilliant musical services and talent, and "we need to make sure that both of those things are brought together so we can carry on giving music to the world."

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority said the investment would help tailor equipment to the needs of children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.

The hub was launched at the Barnsley Civic performing arts venue on Wednesday and attended by musicians, music teachers, and people who have been involved in the existing hubs.

Mr Coppard added that the hub would help young people to express themselves through music.

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