Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance was honoured to welcome the Minister for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries, the Hon Ed Vaizey MP, for a tour of our dance and music faculties in July.

The Minister met with Trinity Laban Principal, Professor Anthony Bowne, to discuss a range of topics, including conservatoire funding, our strong graduate employment figures and community outreach work, and Trinity Laban's involvement in the National Music Hubs.

The Minister said: "Trinity Laban is an inspiring facility. I am greatly encouraged by the work already they are doing as part of the Government's music hub initiative to streamline music education provision and to ensure access for all to high quality music training from an early age. At the other end of the spectrum, their research in dance science is world-leading and hugely impressive."

Professor Bowne said he was delighted to have the opportunity to demonstrate first-hand the role of the 21st century conservatoire:

"Talking about our achievements is one thing - but visiting us, meeting our students and staff - this is what really enables conservatoires such as Trinity Laban to effectively show our distinctiveness and the innovative way in which we are tackling the challenges currently facing the cultural and educational industries.

"One of these ways is in forming strong collaborative partnerships in the UK and internationally which enable us to offer a music and contemporary dance education that is innovative and forward looking - and in demand by potential students, because what we offer is so adaptable to future challenges."

The Minister was given a tour of Trinity Laban's Dance Science Department and the Laban Theatre. He then travelled to the Music Faculty in the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, visited the Chapel, where much of the choral music sessions take place, and met with composition staff and students.

The Arts Council England announced the nationwide network of 122 music education hubs in May 2012, which will play a key role in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience a high quality music education.

Organisations, including schools, professional music organisations, higher and further education institutions and other Arts Council funded organisations working in a local area will be coming together to create joined up music education provision for children and young people.

The aim of this work is to ensure that every child aged 5-18 has the opportunity to sing and learn a musical instrument, to progress to the next level, and play with other children as part of an ensemble or choir.

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