Octagon Music Hub exists to ensure that all children and young people across Dorset and Somerset can access high-quality, inclusive music education. We provide strategic leadership, fund and coordinate partnerships, and work with schools, music providers and communities to strengthen music education across the region.

Octagon Music Hub forms part of the national network of Music Hubs funded by Arts Council England, working in partnership with the Department for Education to support the delivery of the National Plan for Music Education. Together, this national framework aims to ensure that all children and young people can access high-quality, inclusive music education, regardless of background or circumstance.

Working across Dorset and Somerset, the Hub provides strategic leadership for music education by investing in partnerships, coordinating activity, and supporting collaboration between schools, music providers, cultural organisations and communities. The Hub plays a system-level role — helping to strengthen local music education infrastructure, build capacity across the sector and align activity with both local priorities and national policy.

As part of Somerset Council, Octagon Music Hub works closely with education, culture and community partners to respond to local need, champion inclusion and support clear progression routes for children and young people at every stage of their musical journey.