Octagon Music Hub

07/10/2026

This Black History Month we're asking music teachers across Dorset and Somerset one question: who's in your music curriculum?

Through October we'll introduce eight musicians who changed music, from an 18th-century Parisian violin virtuoso to the producers behind the Bristol Sound. Each one comes with something to listen to and a classroom activity you can use this term and all year.

Explore the full resource - https://octagonmusichub.org.uk/black-history-month/

25/09/2026

🎵 Somerset Music Conference 2026

We’re delighted to share details of this year’s Somerset Music Conference, taking place on Friday 16 October at Taunton Racecourse.

Open to music educators across all key stages and school phases, the day is a chance to step away from the day-to-day, connect with colleagues, share practice and explore new ideas through a programme of practical workshops. Email to schools.pdf

⭐ Special guest: Charles Hazlewood

Charles is an internationally acclaimed conductor and founder of the Paraorchestra, whose work has challenged traditional ideas about ability, inclusion and excellence in music. His keynote will explore new ways of thinking about music-making, inclusion and removing barriers. Email to schools.pdf

For us at Octagon Music Hub, opportunities like this are an important part of developing a strong, connected music education community across our area — creating space to learn from one another as well as build new skills.

📅 Friday 16 October 2026
📍 Taunton Racecourse
🎟️ £95 per delegate

Booking is through SSE under Training & Events – Primary Music Conference 2026, course code SC-MUS-1026-T001. Email to schools.pdf

Come along, connect with colleagues and take some fresh ideas back to your school.

24/09/2026

🚨We're Hiring!🚨
👉 50th Anniversary Director

Live Music Now was founded in 1977 by Yehudi Menuhin and Sir Ian Stoutzker on a conviction that has remained steadfast: that everyone has the right to a musical life, and that those who would benefit most from the power of live music often have the least access to it.

The 50th Anniversary Director will lead our Anniversary campaign: building the major donor and corporate relationships to deliver a £1 million campaign, driving broader sector change and leaving behind a philanthropic base that outlasts the anniversary year and leading the programme of activities across the year and beyond.

Are you someone who is excited to create a lasting legacy and impact?
Read the full job description and person specification on our website:
https://www.livemusicnow.org.uk/were-hiring-50th-anniversary-director/

To apply please upload your CV and a covering letter outlining your knowledge and experience to this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/50thAnniversaryDirector

⏰ Deadline to apply: 9am, Monday 12 October 2026

10/09/2026

In The Guardian today, ISM Chief Exec Deborah Annetts says Education Sec Lucy Powell has the goodwill of the music education sector, but warns she has inherited 'a serious problem that needs urgent attention'.

Deborah highlights the National Centre of Music and Arts Education which is due to open this month, but we don't yet know who has been selected to run it.

Read her piece in full: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2026/sep/09/an-education-in-the-arts-should-be-available-to-all

10/09/2026

🎶🎻🎺🎷🥳
Instruments, instruments and more instruments!
Look at all these instruments that we are getting ready to deliver to our middle schools this week, for year 5 and 6 students, who are about to start on their Tomorrow’s Orchestra Project (TOPs) beginner lessons. We are so excited to see how they progress this term!

If anyone else wants to join the scheme, it may not be too late. Contact us before Friday and we will see if we have space.

Thanks to Dorset Music Service for the loan of the instruments and to Octagon Music Hub for putting funding towards this scheme.

Dorchester Middle School - DMS St. Osmund's School St Mary's CE Middle School, Puddletown Wessex Multi Academy Trust

02/09/2026

Launch your career in music, data and creative industries with Octagon Music Hub.

As our Education & Training Graduate, you'll help measure and showcase the impact of music education across Somerset and Dorset — plus spend one day a week supporting our Post-16 Creative Careers programme, helping young people find their way into creative careers.

Taunton, TA1 4DY
Grade 12 (£28,595), rising to Grade 11 (£32,597)
2-year fixed term, 37 hours a week
Closes 16 September 2026

Find out more and apply: https://careers.somerset.gov.uk/job/Taunton-Education-and-Training-Graduate-TA1-4DY/1366304655/

03/08/2026

🎶 Thinking about a career in music?

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Young Associates Programme is now open for applications.

This exciting programme is designed for 18–30 year olds from the South West who come from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in the arts. It offers the chance to develop as a community music leader, gain valuable experience and work alongside one of the UK’s leading orchestras. BSO Young Associates Flyer_A5_2PP_V1.pdf

📅 Programme: November 2026 – June 2027
📝 Application deadline: Sunday 16 August, 5pm
🎵 Interviews include an informal interview, group music workshop and the opportunity to meet other young musicians. Travel expenses are reimbursed.

If you’re passionate about music and making a difference in your community, this could be a fantastic next step.

Find out more and apply via the BSO website.

23/07/2026

23/07/2026

Introducing the Octagon Music Hub Lead Schools Series

What does great music education look like in real classrooms?

We’re excited to launch our new Lead Schools series, showcasing inspiring practice from schools across Somerset and Dorset.

Developed by teachers, for teachers, these short videos and resources share practical ideas, classroom strategies and reflections on what helps children and young people flourish through music.

🎬 Our first feature is The Power of Collaboration.

Hanna Trevorrow from Wessex Multi-Academy Trust explores how schools, Music Hubs and community organisations can work together to create richer musical opportunities for children and young people.

“Don’t feel like you should operate in isolation. Reach out and work with people.”

Across the series you’ll also discover:
🎵 Early Years music
🎵 Inclusive musical approaches
🎵 Music technology at KS3
🎵 Musical ethos and curriculum design
🎵 Creative careers and industry links
🎵 Re-engaging learners through music

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, music lead, senior leader or music educator, we hope these resources provide ideas, inspiration and practical approaches you can take back to your own setting.

🎥 Explore the full Lead Schools series on our website: https://octagonmusichub.org.uk/music-teaching-resources/