Music Education Partners
Octagon Music Hub works in partnership with a wide range of organisations, practitioners and networks across Somerset and Dorset to support inclusive, high-quality music education for children and young people.
Partnership is central to how the Music Hub operates. By working collaboratively, we are able to respond to local need, draw on specialist expertise and create meaningful opportunities that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
Our partnership approach
Octagon Music Hub brings together schools, local music services, arts and cultural organisations, community groups and specialist providers. Partners contribute in different ways, including strategic leadership, delivery, workforce development, consultation, co-production and advocacy.
Partnership arrangements vary depending on the nature of the activity, funding route and identified need. This may include commissioned delivery, grant-funded projects, co-produced initiatives or collaborative working alongside schools and communities.
Funded partners
Funded partners play a key role in delivering music activity on behalf of Octagon Music Hub. This includes organisations and individuals commissioned or funded to deliver specific programmes, targeted provision or specialist activity aligned with the Hub’s priorities.
Funded partnerships are shaped by local needs analysis, inclusion priorities and the aims of the Local Plan for Music Education. All funded activity is expected to support equitable access, high-quality practice and positive outcomes for children and young people.
Specialist and community partners
Alongside funded delivery, Octagon Music Hub works with a broad network of specialist and community partners. These partners bring valuable expertise in areas such as inclusion, early years, special educational needs and disabilities, alternative provision, wellbeing, music technology and creative practice.
Community-based organisations, freelancers and practitioners also play an important role in shaping and delivering activity, supporting engagement, and ensuring that provision is relevant and accessible.
Working together
We value partnerships that are collaborative, inclusive and responsive. We aim to work transparently, communicate clearly and create opportunities for shared learning, reflection and development across the partnership.
Partners are encouraged to contribute insight, feedback and lived experience to help shape the Music Hub’s ongoing work and priorities.
Guidance for funded partners
Organisations and individuals funded by Octagon Music Hub are required to acknowledge support correctly and consistently across communications and publicity.
Our Funded Partners Media Pack provides clear guidance, approved wording and logo assets to support this.
Becoming a partner
We are always interested in building relationships with organisations and practitioners who share our commitment to inclusive, high-quality music education.
Opportunities to work with Octagon Music Hub may arise through commissioning, grant funding, collaborative projects or strategic partnerships. These opportunities are shaped by identified need, available funding and strategic priorities.
If you are interested in working with us, we encourage you to get in touch to start a conversation.