The harp comes with practical challenges, particularly in terms of transport. Cheltenham College Harp Hub, led by Natasha Gale, sets about promoting the harp, encouraging young people to begin and supporting progress on the instrument. With weekly lessons, monthly group sessions, festival appearances and performances,the hub is raising the profile of this magical instrument across the South West.

An initiative supporting access to instruments and support at no cost to schools in Lancashire, the aim of this library is for every young person to have a musical instrument that meets their interests, abilities and needs. It speaks to the full range of needs found in both mainstream and specialist settings, and already other Music Hubs are starting to develop their own libraries based on this innovative work.

MusicShare is a singing project delivered through a partnership between Lichfield Cathedral, Lichfield Cathedral School and the local Music Hub which covers Shropshire, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, and Telford. Led for more than 20 years by organist Cathy Lamb, this community of music-making brings together opportunities across the local area for young people to meet and to sing.

Mini Mozart transforms children from passive listeners into active, emotionally connected music-lovers. Clare Shaw established this initiative 20 years ago and it’s still going strong. This autumn will see over 80 classes running each week, teaching over 1,000 pupils – with additional financial support for families that need it – and supporting 80 freelance musicians in their early careers.

Led by Hannah Merrett and Nichola McCloy, this project brings together individual pianists to play in a horseshoe of keyboards, as part of a Piano Orchestra. This initiative brings pupils from across South Wales together and is a great example of creative thinking and practice, bringing group music-making to an instrument usually played alone.