Education | Posted on February 13th, 2026 | return to news

Dorset and Somerset music education surveys

Dorset Council and Somerset Council are keen for people to fill in surveys to establish music needs for the counties.

Local people have the chance to take part in surveys to help shape the future of music education across Dorset and Somerset.

The surveys are being carried out by Octagon Music Hub (OMH) at the Octagon Theatre in Yeovil, which delivers the service on behalf of both Dorset Council and Somerset Council through a consortium arrangement.

OMH is inviting views from children and young people, parents and carers, schools, music educators and local organisations. The surveys aim to build a better understanding of what is working well in local music education and where there may be gaps or barriers.

Feedback will directly inform future priorities, partnerships and workforce development. The ambition is to ensure more young people across the region can develop their skills, confidence and experience in music — while also helping to nurture Dorset’s thriving music industries.

Cllr Clare Sutton, Dorset Council Cabinet Portfolio Lead for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said: “We have a thriving, brilliant music sector in Dorset and this is a great chance to shape the future of music education in the county.”

The surveys take approximately five to 10 minutes to complete and are available now on the Octagon Music Hub website.