A £1million cash injection has secured improvements to music education in Bournemouth and Poole for at least three years.

A new so-called Music Hub will radically change the way music is taught both in and out of school thanks to £850,000 funding from the Arts Council.

And a further £160,000 from national music education charity Youth Music will develop specific projects with groups of chidlren from difficult social, economic or cultural environments.

The Hub will be organised by SoundStorm, Bournemouth and Poole councils’ music education agency and will ensure all youngsters between the ages of five and 18 get the chance to sing and learn a musical instrument.

They will also have the opportunity to sing and play with others and schools will be able to increase the amount of music education they offer.

The Hub will operate alongside numerous partner agencies including Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Dorset Music Service, Lighthouse, Coda Music Trust and the Academy of Contemporary Music.

It is one of 14 similar projects in the south west and 122 across the country.

“Music Education is a strength of our schools who are able to develop the talent of our young musicians and this additional funding gives us the chance to take music to another level” said Anne Newton, director of children’s Services at Poole council.

“This funding will provide marvelous opportunities for all young people across Poole and Bournemouth and continue the good work of SoundStorm in our schools.”

And Dan Somogyi of Sound-Storm added: “I’m delighted by the possibilities the new hub opens up – it’s going to be an exciting time.”