Hall for Cornwall to Lead Music Education for Young People

A child in a Cornish classroom picking up an instrument for the first time is about to have a new organisation standing behind them.

Hall for Cornwall has been appointed by Arts Council England to lead the Music Hub for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, taking on the role from 1st September 2026. The appointment makes Hall for Cornwall the new Hub Lead Organisation, responsible for music education for children and young people across the region.

What the new role involves

As Hub Lead Organisation, Hall for Cornwall will work with local schools, existing and new Hub partners, and the wider education, music and cultural sector. The aim is to deliver high-quality music education in and out of the classroom.

Music Hubs give young people the chance to sing, play an instrument, create music and perform together. Under Hall for Cornwall’s custodianship, the activities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will support young people’s creativity and their musical talent, along with progression routes for those who want to build a career in music.

📷HALL FOR CORNWALL, TRURO, ENGLAND - July 27th 2023 : 2023 Youth Celebration Shows, image features production of ÒFind A PartnerÓ, photographed by HFC photographer in residence Hugh Hastings.

The funding behind it

On behalf of the Department for Education, Arts Council England will invest in Hall for Cornwall to run the programme for the 2026-27 academic year. That includes a revenue grant of around £670,000, subject to DfE allocation, to deliver music education, plus a capital grant of £91,217 to buy and maintain musical instruments, equipment and technology.

Each Hub Lead Organisation in the programme receives a share of the total funding based on the most recent census date for eligible pupils in the local authority area it serves.

What Hall for Cornwall has said

Hall for Cornwall Chair Alan Davey CBE said the organisation was “delighted to be chosen” to take on the role.

“Every child in Cornwall deserves a chance to hear and to make music and for music to be part of their lives,” Alan said. “We already bring the best of theatre and dance to Cornwall and encourage young people to follow and to realise their talent in these areas. So we are delighted to be able to do this for music, leading the Music Hub for Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.”

He added that the ambition is to drive high-quality music education in the same way the organisation does with theatre and dance, building on the existing Music Hub and using its influence to develop the network of partners further. Alan said the organisation would seek to understand any gaps and additional needs by engaging young people directly, alongside schools and partners.

📷HALL FOR CORNWALL, TRURO, ENGLAND - December 7th 2025. Performance of Nah-Tivity by HFC Youth Company, photographed by HfC photographer in residence Hugh Hastings.

Cornwall Council’s reaction

Councillor Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools & Families at Cornwall Council, welcomed the news.

“Children and young people in Cornwall should know that music and creativity can be part of their future, whatever path they choose,” Hilary said. “I’m delighted that the Music Hub for Cornwall is continuing, and I’m really pleased to see Hall for Cornwall taking on this leadership role. Cornwall has never lacked creativity or talent. What matters is making sure more young people have the chance to discover that in themselves.”

She added that music can build confidence and connection, and said she was excited to see more opportunities opening up for children and young people in communities across Cornwall.

Building on what’s already there

Hall for Cornwall is no stranger to working with young people. Through its Get Creative programme it already runs a range of theatre and dance activities, with more than 11,000 children and young people taking part each year. As lead organisation it will draw on that experience, and that of its partners, to strengthen the Music Hub’s governance and its future potential. Working alongside music education providers is meant to keep things running smoothly into and throughout the new academic year.

The Music Hub’s funding agreement will transfer to Hall for Cornwall at the start of the new academic year, meaning the organisation will lead the Hub for the rest of the funding period, from 1st September 2026 to 31st August 2027.

📷HALL FOR CORNWALL, TRURO, ENGLAND - June 17th 2025 : RSC SchoolsÕ Showcases, dress rehearsals photographed by HfC photographer in residence Hugh Hastings. Image features participants and teachers taking part in a pre-show warm-up by Ellen Hartley of the RSC.