Setting up the new charity, named Newcastle Music, will give the service access to additional funding streams, enable it to receive donations, and support fundraising campaigns and events. This investment will help expand targeted projects supporting some of the city's most disadvantaged children and young people, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), care-experienced young people, and those living in areas of high deprivation.
Over recent years, Newcastle Music Service has played a pivotal role in both the MOBO and Mercury Fringe programmes. Working alongside partners, the service has created opportunities for young people to explore a wide range of musical genres, gain experience of the music industry and perform in front of live audiences at major events. The service is once again working with Generator as part of this year's Mercury Fringe, helping to create similar opportunities through song writing workshops, event promotion projects and singing performances as part of the Mini Mercury Choir.
Councillor Christine Morrissey, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Families, said:
"Establishing a charitable arm of Newcastle Music Service will open up new funding opportunities, allowing us to extend and enhance projects that support some of our city's most disadvantaged children and young people.
"This could include increasing instrumental and vocal learning opportunities, expand performance and creative projects, and developing new programmes that improve access to music and culture in schools and communities across Newcastle. It would also enable us to provide additional support for talented young musicians who might otherwise be unable to access these opportunities because of financial barriers.
"We are committed to giving every child the chance to develop new skills, discover their talents and experience the benefits that music can bring. This proposal will help us reduce barriers to participation and ensure more young people can access high-quality musical opportunities, regardless of their background."
Newcastle Music Service delivers far more than instrumental tuition. Working with schools, cultural organisations, community groups and regional partners, the service provides a diverse programme of music education, performance, creativity and progression opportunities for children and young people across Newcastle. Its work ranges from classroom and small-group teaching through to large-scale events, specialist ensembles, music technology projects, creative industry experiences, inclusion programmes and leadership opportunities.
Each year, around 7,000 children and young people engage with Newcastle Music through instrumental and vocal learning, school performances, concerts, festivals, workshops and creative projects. Activities include flagship events such as The Big Gig and Band Jam, partnerships with the Royal Opera and Ballet, MOBO and Mercury Fringe initiatives, rock and contemporary music programmes, specialist work supporting children with SEND, and projects designed to improve access for young people who may otherwise face barriers to participation.
The service also plays an important role in developing the wider music education workforce, with more than 200 teachers and education professionals accessing specialist training, resources and support each year. Through its partnerships, Newcastle Music helps schools deliver high-quality music education while creating pathways for young people to progress from their first musical experiences through to advanced performance opportunities and potential careers in the creative industries.
The Music Service is currently funded through a combination of Arts Council England and Department for Education funding, alongside service level agreements with schools. Creating a charitable arm would complement existing funding arrangements and unlock new sources of financial support to expand provision across the city.
Additional funding would help broaden access to music, creativity and cultural opportunities through increased investment in local activities, particularly in under-represented areas of Newcastle, including the East End and Inner West. It would also enable more targeted and subsidised opportunities for children with SEND, care-experienced young people and families facing financial hardship.
From a child's first experience of music-making in the classroom to performing on major stages and working alongside professional artists and organisations, Newcastle Music aims to ensure that every young person can develop their confidence, creativity and potential through music. The creation of the charity will help secure and expand these opportunities for future generations.
The proposal reflects Newcastle City Council's commitment to ensuring that all children and young people can benefit from high-quality cultural and educational opportunities, regardless of their circumstances.