ASONE Hub Announces Renewed Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Partnership with Music For Good

ASONE Hub, the lead organisation for Government funded music education delivery in Cornwall, is proud to announce a renewed commitment to championing equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across all aspects of its work. 

Working closely with all our partners, our aim is to create more equitable opportunities for young musicians, music educators, and communities to access and thrive in music education.

Recognising the power of music to bridge divides and inspire change, ASONE will be working in close partnership with Music for Good, a music diversity trailblazing charity who have worked to break down barriers to music provision both in and out of schools across Cornwall for over 20 years. 

ASONE and Music for Good has unveiled a comprehensive EDI Action Plan EDI strategy referred to as IDEA highlighted the need to:

• Expand Representation: Prioritise diverse voices and perspectives in curriculum development, programming, and leadership including amplifying young peoples’ voices. 
• Remove Structural Barriers: Address systemic challenges preventing underrepresented communities from accessing high-quality music education. 
• Empower Educators: Provide information, training, support and resources for music teachers to foster inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments. 
• Amplify Partnerships: Collaborate with community organisations, cultural institutions, and local leaders to support grassroots efforts and amplify diverse musical traditions.

Needs Analysis throughout 2024, indicated support for non-specialist teachers as a priority. As part of this delivery, ASONE Hub, in partnership with Music for Good, will devise a rolling Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme and toolkit. This will aim to support non-specialist teachers to teach music in the critical early years, with a focus on inclusion and equity in provision. 

Millie Young, ASONE Head of Programme says:

“ASONE is dedicated to creating an inclusive music education and community culture in Cornwall and is thrilled to partner with Music for Good on this strategy. We are committed to reflecting the diversity of the Cornwall we all love and embedding equity in all areas of the programme. This commitment extends to championing best practice and supporting non-specialist teachers to confidently deliver aspirational and accessible musical experiences.”

ASONE recognises not everyone receives the same start in life and this can significantly shape an individual’s opportunities. Understanding the inequalities that exist for young people across Cornwall is key to addressing some of the complex issues that create barriers and exclusion to music education. 

IDEA aligns with ASONE's belief that music education should not only foster musical creativity and skill development but also value personal and social growth in young people too. 

Giles Woolley, IDEA Lead, commented:

"Music has the unique ability to reflect the richness of our world and bring people together. However, too often, inequities in both formal and informal education limit who can participate and thrive in music. Our mission is to break down structural barriers to ensure that everyone in Cornwall - regardless of their lived experiences - has the chance to find their musical voice and make it heard.

Giles is a highly experienced music educator with a broad background in delivering diverse, inclusive music programs across various community settings. This includes creative composition workshops, leading community choirs, supporting Ukrainian refugees, and engaging residents in dementia homes, hospitals, youth centres, and primary, secondary, and alternative provision schools. Giles’s passion for ensuring equitable music opportunities for all young people in Cornwall is informed by over 15 years of working in the local music education sector. 

Emily Foulkes Music for Good CEO says:

“Music for Good has worked across Cornwall for nearly 25 years, with inclusion being at the core of our offer. We have been proud to work with the Music Education Hub to bring many opportunities to children and young people who fell outside of the mainstream offer. We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with ASONE over the coming months and years to build a sustainable music education which is reflective of the needs, interests and well-being of children and young people.”

ASONE champions ongoing dialogue on the direction of the strategy and invites all its partners and funders to join them in their journey to create a more inclusive and representative music education landscape for the county.

For more information on ASONE Hub’s EDI strategy or to get involved, visit ASONE Hub or email [email protected]