A programme to set up a “top tier” hub for 400 schools across north London is under way to put music back in the mainstream education curriculum.

More than 200,000 children could benefit from music education in a £2.4 million project run by a group of five local education authorities led by Haringey Music Service.

The consortium has been set up by the Arts Council to offer children in Haringey, Barnet, Camden, Enfield and Islington the chance to develop their musical interests as far as they want to — even helping them start careers in the music industry.

Funding to run one of a ‘new generation’ of regional music hubs being set up across the country by the Department of Education was agreed by Haringey Council last month and is planned to open in the school term starting in September.

“Music is a wonderful art form which inspires people,” Haringey council’s schools and children cabinet member Zena Brabazon explained.

“It plays a powerful role in the growth of young minds, from the youngest age, fostering cognitive, emotional, social and physical development. 

“This funding will go a long way to help talented youngsters, with Haringey’s music service leading the hub for North London.”

The new North London Music Hub gets almost £1,800,000 from Whitehall to co-ordinate music education, plus £578,000 for new instruments, equipment and technology. It will provide music education through partnerships with creative and community organisations.

Government policy is for “every child to receive a music education”, learning about music and having the opportunity to play instruments together as “a vital part of a rich and rounded education”.

Music has gradually been eroded from mainstream education over the past two decades because of school budget cuts over the years by successive governments.

But it is now seen as playing “a key role in brain development” in children, as part of a new Education Department policy.

Haringey is working with its four neighbouring local authorities for the new school term to teach children the skills to play instruments and to give them a platform and the self-confidence to perform.