What North East Music Hub has been up to this term:

Highlights from the Local Area:

Durham and Darlington

• New Secondary Framework to be launched, continuing the inclusive work of the DMS Stars (primary) framework

• County Durham Care-Choir performing at “Care-ols” a carol service for anyone in County Durham from the care sector: workers, young people and families

• Rail to Stage: in partnership with Opera North, a school in Darlington will co-create a new piece culminating in a live performance

Gateshead

• Music Mentor online curriculum resource launched for KS2, to expand the current resource from the EYFS and KS1 content

• Developing relationships and support in SEND settings has led to a 50% increase in SEND provision in 2025 compared to 2024

• Creating whole class suites of instruments focussed on musical wellbeing interventions to be trialled in the Spring term

Newcastle

• Futures in Music programme in partnership with Newcastle University has expanded to provide more young people music career pathways opportunities

• Schools and Music Service orchestras are preparing for the North East Festival of Languages 2026. Any community groups, schools, choirs or orchestras from across the region can take part and can access a wealth of resources in English, BSL and a variety of other languages by registering here: Registration for NE Festival of Languages 2026

North Tyneside

• Tete a Tete opera have been running composition workshops in North Tyneside primary and secondary schools culminating in a performance with players from Royal Northern Sinfonia

• In partnership with Young Sounds UK, Crew Gal and North Shields Cultural Quarter, digital resources are being produced for young musicians around safeguarding themselves in the music industry

Northumberland

• A new iPad/Garageband programme for schools is in development following dedicated CPD for staff

• Local Ensembles offer has increased to include new Frets guitar group and Drum Circle, with workshops planned around the county to remove travel barriers

South Tyneside

• In partnership with Brass Band England, a composition project “Make a March” has been piloted, with live brass band players visiting local schools

Sunderland

• As part of the Music Technology and Dance Music festival “Stages”, music technology skills development activities are being offered to schools and community settings

• Coming from the “Stages” festival programme, Turntablism and Music Production sessions are being trialled in schools as part of whole class instrumental learning

• Ready Steady Play music making sessions have taken place in the community focussing on music making using technology for children with PMLD and their families

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