Music Hub Conference
Thank you to everyone who attended our event on January 14th 2026, at Yamaha Music HQ.
We've collected together all of the relevant links and resources from the day, so scroll down and remind yourself of an incredible day (or see what you missed out on!)
If you have a question about a session or wish to share any feedback or topics you'd like to see featured in our next event, click the button below to get in touch.
See you in 2027!
Maximising Opportunities with the Capital Grant
Music Mark CEO Bridget Whyte, pBone Music CEO Steven Greenall, MIA Executive Director Anthony Short, and Deputy Head of Lancashire Music Hub Ben Rapp kick-started the conference with a keynote examining the Capital Grant in Music Education. Bridget and Anthony discussed the ambitions, aims and context of the National Plan for Music Education. Meanwhile, Ben shared how Lancashire had utilised the grant, from increasing school engagement with custom websites created from pBone Music, and the groundbreaking Yamaha Youth Music Ambassadors programme.
Investing In Quality: A Repairer's Perspective
Instrument repairer Sun Hellerud gave a fascinating insight into the hidden world of repair, demonstrating with instruments like the clarinet, flute, and saxophone.
Download the slides from Sun's presentation, or check out the product support videos on B&O maintenance. These videos have been created by the team at Yamaha Music to show the basics of care that Sun discussed - helping hubs prevent costly and unnecessary specialist repairs.
Progression and Training for Inclusive Whole Class Instrument Learning
Education consultant and inventor of the pBuzz Chris Fower was joined by educators Mark Lowe from Inspire Music Central Bedfordshire and Andy Harris from Sheffield Music Hub to discuss their work with whole-class brass. Chris shared the findings from his work in Wales, where pBuzz was used as the first step in the brass progression pathway. A similar approach has been utilised in Sheffield, while a pBuzz CPD programme launched in association with Chris, pBone Music, and ABRSM has rolled out in Central Bedfordshire.
Music Hub Conference 2026
Agenda for the Day
The conference will take place at Yamaha Music UK in Milton Keynes. Here's a rundown of what to expect.
9.30 am: Welcome and Arrivals
10 am - 10.45 am: Maximising Opportunities with the Capital Grant
In this opening keynote discussion featuring leaders from across the music education and industry landscape, the panel will investigate strategies for procurement and partnership using the Capital Grant for Music Education.
11 am - 11.45 am: Instrument Repair and Maintenance: Why Quality Matters
Expert instrument repairer Sun Hellerud shares the secrets behind the world of bringing the best out of instruments, with practical advice for educators looking to purchase with confidence and get performances from their products year after year.
12 pm - 12.45 pm: Progression and Training for Inclusive Whole Class Instrument Learning
Educational consultant and instrument inventor Chris Fower gives the inside track on how accredited training and upskilling primary teachers can help children start their musical journey sooner. Chris is joined by Mark Lowe from Inspire Music Central Bedfordshire and Andy Harris from Sheffield Music Hub, as they discuss the challenges and opportunities in engaging with their schools.
12.45 pm - 1.30 pm: Lunch and refreshments
1.30 - 3.30 pm: Interactive Music Technology Demonstration
Delegates have the opportunity to get hands-on with a host of solutions for the classroom. Featuring products from Ableton, Focusrite, Roli, Yamaha Music, along with SEND and inclusive solutions, this is the perfect opportunity to trial and test products while getting face-to-face time with the experts. This section will run in a carousel-style format, giving delegates 20 minutes to experiment and learn more about the latest innovative hardware.
3.30 pm - 4 pm: Reflections and close of conference
The Speakers
Industry leaders. Education experts. Connect with passionate practitioners and musical movers and shakers, and learn about the current landscape in UK music education.
Bridget Whyte
Music Mark CEO
Anthony Short
MIA Executive Director
Steven Greenall
Founder & CEO, Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur
Sun Hellerud
SH Repairs
Chris Fower
Educational Consultant
Andy Harris
Sheffied Music Hub Brass Music Lead
CASE STUDIES
"Music can embed itself within the curriculum. The idea is that by the end of the first year of this initiative, every child in year three could go on and continue that journey in music.”
Karin Jenkins - Head of Swansea Music
“With pBuzz, the children manage the transition so well. They sound so much better than starting out on cornets. They get it and understand how to make a sound. I can’t stress how much better it is.”
Andy Harris - Brass Lead for Sheffield Music
“My early conversations with Steven Greenall (CEO of pBone Music) were around me wanting to really try and challenge instrument providers: how we procure instruments and how green are we as a company procuring instruments?”
Stuart Birnie - Head of Music Service at Sevices for Education, Birmingham