Proposal for the future of the music service – music centres consultation 2025
Consultation closed: Sunday 30 March 2025
Consultation opened: Monday 3 March 2025
We are proposing to establish a central music hub, supported by satellite centres in local schools and community venues.
Located in Ampthill, the central hub would serve as the primary location for Saturday morning sessions, featuring specialised tutors and a range of music programs. Ampthill is proposed as the location of the central hub because it is geographically central in our area.
The music service would then establish satellite centres in larger towns like Biggleswade, Dunstable, and Leighton-Linslade, focusing on weekday after-school programs. By utilising existing school and community facilities, operating costs would be lower.
The satellite centres would be set up where the service’s programs are strong and where the community needs them most. This would make things easier for families by reducing travel time and fitting better with their schedules. The goal is to meet community needs, place services where they are needed and in demand, and keep a strong Saturday morning option, in a central location. The centres would likely be in larger towns with better transportation options.
The service will also engage with self-employed tutors skilled in both traditional and contemporary music, allowing the service to provide sessions based on demand while ensuring financial sustainability.
The proposed reorganisation aims to modernise the music service, making it financially sustainable while meeting the contemporary needs of young people. By creating a central hub with satellite centres, the service will offer more flexibility, reduce travel barriers, and provide a broader range of music opportunities.