About Us
Kent Music is a music education charity and the Hub Lead Organisation (HLO) for the Kent & Medway Music Hub.
We work closely with schools, colleges, cultural organisations, and other partners to ensure that learners of all ages, especially children and young people, across Kent and Medway have access to high-quality music education both in and out of school.
From instrumental and vocal lessons to ensembles, choirs, and holiday courses to strategic partnerships, we champion creativity, empower young people to progress and excel, open doors, and foster inclusivity and accessibility.
Vision
Informed by the National Plan for Music Education, our vision is to enable all children and young people to learn to sing, play an instrument and create music together, and have the opportunity to progress their musical interests and talents, including professionally.
Values
Our core values were created collaboratively with staff, students, parents, carers, teachers, trustees and schools. They are guiding principles that shape our culture, behaviour, and decision-making. They provide a framework for day-to-day actions as well as our wider direction and outcomes.
Our History
Kent Music began as the Kent Rural Music School on an autumn afternoon in Maidstone in 1948.
The Rural Music Schools (RMS) were a national initiative, first established by Mary Ibberson in 1929 in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. According to Mary, the goal of RMS was “to make good teaching available to amateurs of all ages, not in the large centres of professional music but in country towns and villages.” Mary was later awarded the OBE for her services to music.
In October 1948, the Kent Rural Music School opened at Oakwood House, dedicated to teaching music for the love of music itself to anyone enthusiastic and willing to learn. This mission remains close to our hearts today, over 75 years later.
Over the years, the Kent Rural Music School expanded across the county. We opened more Music Centres, developed an instrument hire and repair service, and began managing the renowned Summer School at Benenden. As we evolved, the Kent Rural Music School became the Kent Music School, and eventually, Kent Music.
Hub Lead Organisation
We were honoured to be named the Lead Organisation for the Kent Music Hub in 2012. In 2024, we were appointed as the Hub Lead Organisation for the newly formed Kent & Medway Music Hub, allowing us to extend our passion for music to a wider area.
As the Hub Lead Organisation, our relationships with schools and music organisations across the area have grown stronger. We are proud to be part of a vibrant musical community, advocating for and supporting high-quality music education for all.
Generations of young musicians have benefited from our tutelage. You’ll find Kent Music musicians in almost every professional orchestra in the country, and in all genres of music, including jazz, rock, and folk. We continue to inspire and nurture the musicians of tomorrow, celebrating the joy and creativity that music brings to our community. We hope you’ll join us!