The UK government has announced that music education is to benefit from a significant funding boost.

Education minister Nick Gibb said that an extra £18 million has been earmarked for music education, including the nationwide network of 123 music hubs, which were, in collaboration with the Arts Council England, set up over two years go.

In total, the government has now invested £390 million in music education since 2012, suggesting that it is a real priority area.

Music hubs are made up of a number of local organisations within a specific region that come together to "create joined up music education provision for children and young people, both in and out of school".

Mr Gibb said that no education is 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," he continued.

"Music hubs have made a very encouraging start - and now we want to build on that. No children should miss out on the inspiration and excitement that music can bring to their lives."

The Conservative MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton added that this is why music has remained a statutory subject in the new curriculum.

It has nevertheless been reformed so that it "broadens" pupils' experiences and it is also more aspirational, he went on to say.

One of the central aims of music hubs is to ensure that every child aged between five and 18 has the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, sing and perform as part of a choir or ensemble.

Data from the Arts Council England has shown that in the first year alone, between 2012 and 2013, nearly 80,000 disadvantaged pupils and more than 30,000 pupils with special educational participated in instrumental ensembles and choirs.

Alan Davey, chief executive officer of Arts Council England, added that news of the additional funding was very welcome because it will widen the reach of music education.

"The increase is recognition of the important work of music hubs to make sure that every child has the opportunity to be motivated and inspired by music," he expanded.

"Hubs can now plan confidently to build on their work so far with schools, local authorities and cultural organisations, to ensure a strong local music offer for children, as part of a broad and balanced curriculum."