Cornwall Music Service Trust (CMST) has received news from Asone Perform CIC (the Music Education Hub Lead Organisation for Cornwall) that it will be relinquishing the role from the end of the academic year, 31st August 2026. We await news of the funding that will be available for the Summer Term 2026 for ensembles and other projects commissioned by the Hub.
CMST is reassuring schools, partners, families, and the wider community that its operations and services remain fully active.
Music Education Hubs are commissioned nationally by Arts Council England, providing funding for music education services to maintained schools and to provide music education opportunities outside school (such as Youth Orchestras and other ensembles).
While the closure of ASONE Music Hub will present some initial challenges for the local music education landscape, CMST plans to operate as near to normal as possible, delivering its established programme of instrumental tuition and inclusive music opportunities for children and young people across Cornwall. However, it is important to recognise that Hub funding provides additional opportunities for young people such as Ensemble provision and Whole Class Ensemble Teaching of instruments (widely known in Cornwall as First Access/School Projects), which may be impacted in the short term as Asone makes decisions in the light of the ending of its contract to provide Music Education Hub services and as a new Hub Lead Organisation is sought.
CMST remains committed to ensuring that young people across Cornwall and beyond will continue to access high-quality music education. The organisation’s core work with schools, community partners, and music educators continues without disruption. CMST will continue with its full programme wherever possible, subject to confirmation of funding and payment arrangements during the transition to a new Hub Lead Organisation.
The Cornwall Music Service Trust recognises the importance of stability and continuity for children and young people at this time. The Trust stands ready to work constructively with Cornwall Council and Arts Council England to support the ongoing development and delivery of music education provision across the area.
CMST is well placed to contribute its expertise, networks, and experience to help ensure that music education opportunities remain accessible, inclusive, and sustainable for all young people in Cornwall. It is a long-established organisation embedded within Cornwall’s education and cultural sector.
CMST remains committed to collaboration with partners at both local and national levels to ensure that Cornwall’s children and young people continue to benefit from high-quality musical learning and participation opportunities now and into the future.
Link to Asone Perform CIC’s announcement: https://asoneperform.com/news/13094728
For further information please contact:
Cornwall Music Service Trust
Dr Gareth Churcher
office@cmst.co.uk
01872 246043
About Cornwall Music Service Trust
Cornwall Music Service Trust is a charitable organisation dedicated to providing high-quality music education opportunities for children and young people across Cornwall through instrumental teaching, ensembles, schools partnerships, and inclusive music-making initiatives.
Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (number 1159622) and a company limited by guarantee (number 09268124) registered in England.
Registered office: Cornwall Music Service Trust, Truro School, Trennick Lane, Truro TR1 1TH
