KIRKLEES Music School is celebrating after being chosen to front a new Huddersfield education hub.

Major Government changes in the way music is being funded across the country has opened up bids for 122 new ‘music education hubs’.

In Kirklees, the music school has won the contract to provide instrumental lessons, bands, choirs, orchestras, and other music-making opportunities for local children.

The move will help music groups in the area work together in a smarter way to share skills and reduce costs.

The Arts Council initiative comes after it was announced Government funding of £82m for music education would be reduced to just £60m by 2015.

The money now comes directly from the Arts Council as opposed to local authorities distributing the cash from central government.

Thom Meredith, principal of KMS, said: “The face of music education has been changing rapidly over recent years and KMS has become more and more involved in working with young people and adults in all situations.

“We now work with over 10,000 young people each week and believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience playing and instrument and singing.

“Leading the hub for Kirklees will give us the opportunity to increase our partnerships and collaborative programmes and to examine how we ensure that all young people are signposted to high quality music making activities across the area.”

He stressed Kirklees Music School would continue to run as normal and that managing the hub would be in addition to its usual service.

“Everything going on will carry on,” he said. “The main difference is that we want to join everything together so that if any young people want to do something musical they will be able to ask the hub for information.”

The new hubs will build on the work of music services across the country.

KMS worked closely with a range of musical organisations from across Kirklees to create the bid.

Cluny Macpherson, regional director of Arts Council England, said: “The difference that music can make to minds of all ages is significant, and for young people the benefits are manifold – not just in terms of academic achievement but also confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing.

“Our regional music education hubs will ensure that opportunities to play music and sing reach as many young people across Yorkshire and Humber as possible.

“Effectively this means through innovative models, best practice and creative partnerships, young people – regardless of their location or personal circumstances – will be able to reap these benefits through their own musical experiences.”