Devon Music Education Hub is currently hosting an exciting residency with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (NYO), bringing world-class youth music-making to schools across the region.
On Monday, 80 NYO musicians delivered a powerful and interactive schools concert to an audience of around 750 children at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay. The day also included an amazing side-by-side performance opportunity for local young musicians, offering them the chance to play alongside some of the UK’s most talented teenagers.
The residency continued with a vibrant day of music-making at Plympton Academy, where the entire school community engaged in live performances and creative workshops. The tour continues with similar events at The Ilfracombe Academy on 10 July and St Peter’s CofE Aided School in Exeter on 11 July.
This inspiring programme highlights the power of live music to engage, uplift, and connect young people. We would like to thank all of the participating schools and the National Youth Orchestra for making this possible.
All maintained schools and academies in Devon and Torbay are invited to apply for £300 MEG funding for the 2025–26 academic year. This funding supports the delivery of the National Plan for Music Education, especially Whole Class Ensemble Tuition (WCET).
To qualify, each school must complete a short online data submission and use the School Music Development Plan self-evaluation tool to assess current provision (Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum). We have worked very hard to ensure that this is not an onerous process – precise details are less important than gaining a good picture of what is happening in your school, so estimated figures are fine.
While Plymouth schools are not eligible for MEG funding, they are still required to complete the data return and self-evaluation. As well as informing statutory reporting to the DfE/Arts Council England, this data will help to shape the Hub’s strategic focus and support for schools over the year ahead.
📅 DEADLINE: Monday 29 September 2025
Devon Music Education Hub is thrilled to present two dynamic, interactive concerts designed for students studying or preparing for GCSE or BTEC Music. Led by BSO Associate Patrick Bailey and seven musicians from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, these sessions offer live analysis of set works and a collaborative composition experience.
📍 1-2.30pm Thursday 6 November – Plympton Academy, Plymouth
📍 1-2.30pm Friday 7 November – Uffculme School, Cullompton
Students will explore key works, compositional techniques, and help shape a brand-new piece live! These concerts are not to be missed, and always prove popular with secondary schools so book early to avoid disapointment!
Armed Forces Day Plymouth 2025 was brought to life with three outstanding performances by ensembles supported by Plymouth Youth Music Service (PYMS). The Lipson Cooperative Big Band, Plymouth Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Plymouth City Brass Academy Band each took to the stage on Plymouth Hoe, delivering a vibrant mix of jazz, film soundtracks, and orchestral favourites. Set against the stunning coastal backdrop, the performances celebrated both musical talent and community spirit, delighting audiences of all ages and showcasing the power of youth music in the city.
Devon Music Education Hub is offering maintained schools and academies in Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay, the chance to apply for one year of subsidised access to the Drumbeatable programme - a dynamic, curriculum-linked resource that combines drumming with personal development that was featured at the recent Devon Music Education Conference. Created by Inspire-works, Drumbeatable supports pupils’ musical, emotional, and social growth through engaging, interactive lessons.
This is a fantastic opportunity to bring high-quality, inclusive music-making into your classroom with minimal setup and maximum impact. Devon Music Education Hub will provide a 50% subsidy for up to 10 schools to access Silver Drumbeatable Facilitator Training for one year, with remaining cost of £100 match-funded by your school.
📅 Apply now to secure your place for 2025–26!
🔗 Learn more: https://www.inspire-works.com/drumbeatable-programme
Applications to be part of our Chorister Outreach Programme with Exeter Cathedral are now open for the next academic year.
This initiative is open to maintained primary schools and academies on a fully subsidised bases and provides an invaluable opportunity to develop singing in your setting, culminating in a performance in the spectacular surroundings of Exeter Cathedral.
Please note: The Chorister Outreach Programme visits a different geographical area each term. Only schools located in the areas listed below for 2025–26 are eligible to apply. If your school is outside these areas, we kindly ask that you do not submit an application.
📍 Torridge – Autumn Term 2025
📍 West Devon – Spring Term 2026
📍 South Hams – Summer Term 2026
TSDMC Mid Summer Music Event
Friday 11 July 2025 | Torquay Boys Grammar School
A New Creation with Exeter Festival Chorus and Devon Music Education Hub
Saturday 12 July 2025 | Exeter Cathedral
Street Band Workshop
Sunday 13 July 2025 | Museum of Somerset
Battle of the Bands: Sound Assembly
Thursday 11 September 2025 | The Beehive, Honiton
The Melting Pot: Performance Opportunity for Young Musicians
Friday 31 October 2025 | The Plough Arts Centre, Great Torrington
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra KS4 Set Works LIVE!
Thursday 6 November 2025 | Plympton Academy, Plymouth
Friday 7 November 2025 | Uffculme School, Cullompton
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