Music at every stage of your child’s journey
The Hub helps connect children and young people across Somerset and Dorset with music opportunities. We work with schools, music services and community organisations to help families find inclusive, appropriate music activity at every stage of a child’s education. Our role is to help you understand what’s available and support you to find opportunities that fit your child’s interests, needs and circumstances.
Yes. Music is for all children and young people, whatever their starting point, confidence or experience. Some children enjoy performing, others prefer experimenting, listening or creating their own music, and some simply enjoy being part of a group. All of these ways of engaging with music are valid and valuable. Music supports confidence, creativity and communication, but it can also simply be something enjoyable and social that children take part in on their own terms.
Yes. Music is for all children and young people, whatever their starting point, confidence or experience. Some children enjoy performing, others prefer experimenting, listening or creating their own music, and some simply enjoy being part of a group. All of these ways of engaging with music are valid and valuable. Music supports confidence, creativity and communication, but it can also simply be something enjoyable and social that children take part in on their own terms.
At primary age, children often encounter music through classroom learning, singing, whole-class instrumental programmes and school or community groups. This stage allows children to try different instruments and musical styles, develop listening and teamwork skills, and build confidence through shared music-making. Many children discover what they enjoy most during this phase, whether that’s singing, playing, creating or simply taking part with others.
As children move into secondary school, music opportunities often widen and become more varied. Young people may take part in instrumental or vocal lessons, bands, ensembles, choirs, orchestras, music technology, songwriting, production or creative projects. Music at this stage can support identity, self-expression and social connection, while also developing skills such as collaboration, organisation and self-regulation. Some young people study music as part of the curriculum, while others engage through extracurricular or community-based activity.
Yes. Music does not stop at 16. Young people may continue through colleges, sixth forms, training providers, community music groups, youth ensembles, creative programmes or independent music-making. Some choose formal study or training, while others continue for enjoyment, wellbeing, confidence or social connection. Music can remain an important part of a young person’s life regardless of whether it leads to a qualification or career.
No. Qualifications such as GCSEs, BTECs or A levels are optional pathways, not requirements. Many children and young people enjoy music, develop skills and grow in confidence without working towards formal exams. Both routes are equally valid, and progression in music can mean many different things, including enjoyment, creativity, confidence and belonging.
Music can be particularly supportive for children and young people who benefit from flexible, creative and inclusive approaches to learning, but the benefits of music apply to all children. Music-making can support communication, social skills, turn-taking, creativity, executive functioning and teamwork in ways that feel natural and engaging. Support may be available for children with SEND, those who are care-experienced, or families facing barriers related to cost, confidence, access or transport. This might include adapted approaches, smaller groups, music technology, instrument loan or additional support. You can contact Octagon Music Hub to talk through your child’s needs and explore what support may be available.
Cost should not be a barrier to taking part in music. There may be bursaries, reduced-cost or free activities, instrument loan schemes, or group-based opportunities that do not require individual lessons. If affordability is a concern, get in touch and we can help explore options that may be available locally.
You can start by speaking to your child’s school or setting, exploring local music groups and community projects, or contacting Octagon Music Hub for guidance. We can help signpost opportunities that match your child’s age, interests, needs and where you live.
If you’re unsure where to start, Octagon Music Hub can help. We’re here to talk through options, answer questions and help you find appropriate music opportunities across Somerset and Dorset.