Cornwall Music Service Trust (CMST) is pleased to announce that it will lead the delivery of a funded music education programme for children and young people across Cornwall for the Summer Term 2026 only.
This short-term programme will ensure continuity of high-quality music education provision during a period of transition, while arrangements are made for the appointment of a new Music Hub lead organisation from September 2026.
A statement from the Department for Education and Arts Council England said:
“After stepping down as the Music Hub lead organisation, ASONE Perform CIC will use the remaining Music Hubs grant and staff capacity to manage finances and report on music education activity for Autumn and Spring in the current academic year 2025/26. This will allow an orderly closure of activities while Arts Council England appoints a new lead organisation for the academic year 2026/27. Schools and delivery partners should contact ASONE Perform CIC directly about payment for completed work.
“Cornwall Music Service Trust (CMST) will deliver a new funded Summer Music Education Programme for children and young people with the support of Arts Council England. CMST will contact schools about this offer before the Easter break.
“Applications to become the Music Hub lead organisation for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly from 1 September 2026 are open until midday on 23 April.
“Arts Council England welcomes applications from properly constituted organisations with a strong track record and the capacity to manage restricted government funding.
“Eligible organisations include (but are not limited to) schools, multi-academy trusts, local authorities, limited companies, community interest companies, and charities or trusts.
“You can find full details here: https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/MusicHubs”.
As part of this Summer Term 2026 programme, Cornwall Music Service Trust will also manage Cornwall Council’s subsidised lesson budget of £56,000. This funding will support access to instrumental and vocal tuition, helping to reduce financial barriers and widen participation in music education during this period.
CMST is committed to working collaboratively with schools, partner organisations, freelancers, and the wider music education sector to support a fair and equitable approach to delivery for the Summer Term. Engagement with stakeholders will also help inform future models of provision from September 2026 onwards.
A spokesperson for Cornwall Music Service Trust said:
“This is an important opportunity to support young people’s access to music at a key point in the academic year. We are focused on ensuring that provision runs smoothly over the summer term, while also listening carefully to schools and partners to help shape a strong and sustainable future for music education in Cornwall.”
Further details about the Summer Term 2026 programme will be shared with schools and partners in due course.
ENDS
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