The funding boost will go towards music education, including to the national network of 123 music education hubs, bringing the total amount of funding available this financial year to more than £75million. As well as subsidising instrument hire for those with low incomes, a key objective of the hubs is to give every child aged 5-18 the chance to learn to play an instrument as part of whole class tuition for at least a term.

Education Minister Nick Gibb said: “No education can be complete without the arts and music playing a central role. That is why we established music hubs to replace a patchy service and ensure every child is given the opportunity to learn an instrument.

“Music hubs have made a very encouraging start – and now we want to build on that. That is why we are increasing funding by £18 million. No children should miss out on the inspiration and excitement that music can bring to their lives.”

Following this morning’s announcement, Nicola Benedetti said she will continue to provide workshops for children of all standards, giving young instrumentalists the opportunity to play together and learn from one another.