There are currently 120 music research hubs across the country, designed to support the music education of young people. But how are young people engaging with these hubs? How are the latter spending and utilising their funding? Researchers at Birmingham City University have conducted key data to find the answers.
Researchers:
- Martin Fautley
- Adam Whittaker
Research background
Music Education Hubs (MEHs) were established to support the music education of young people across the country. MEHs are made up of a lead organisation and a series of hub partners, facilitating a range of music making activities for young people. There are currently 120 MEHs, which are supported with £75 million of central government funding. Each year Arts Council England conducts a survey to monitor MEH performance against KPIs. Since 2016, Birmingham City University has been the data analysis partner leading this evaluation of MEH activities through key data.
Research aims
This research explores the performance of MEHs against KPIs, including the number of young people engaging with MEHs, and the extent to which MEHs are engaging with schools. It also considers the successes MEHs have had in using central funding to leverage additional funding. This analysis underpins many policy statements on music education from the Department for Education. We aim to provide the most detailed insight possible from the data provided in the annual survey.
How was the research carried out?
This research follows a pattern of analysis set out in agreement between Arts Council England and the Department for Education. Data is collected by Arts Council England through their annual survey tool and regional Relationship Managers directly from MEHs, and then provided to BCU for analysis.
Funding
£46,680
Publications
- Fautley, M. & Whittaker, A. (2017) Key data on Music Education Hubs 2016, report for Arts Council England and Department for Education
- Fautley, M. & Whittaker, A. (2018) Key data on Music Education Hubs 2017, report for Arts Council England and Department for Education