A LONG-running organisation, which has brought traditional music to thousands of youngsters, is branching out into jazz, rock and rap, and possibly even the performing arts, in a bid to change with the times.

Kent Music, which has been providing music tuition to young people across the county for the past 60 years, has made the move after being advised by marketing consultants, who took an in-depth look at the way it worked.

They advised that the charity needed to diversify in order to keep its position as market leader in the fields of vocal and instrumental tuition in Kent.

Acting chief executive Robert Hoult said: “This is our 60th anniversary year – a historic milestone for any organisation – and we want to guarantee that Kent Music continues to thrive over its next 60 years.

“We have commissioned marketing reviews in order to identify new areas of opportunity, which can only be seized if Kent Music evolves in order to meet the demands.

“There will be a stronger market focus with greater emphasis on variety of genre and musical styles.”

Surprised

Plans also include making the organisation more financially efficient, while paying staff well, to attract and keep top-quality teachers.

Mr Hoult told the Kent Messenger that Kent Music was surprised to discover there were some people in the county who had simply not heard of the Maidstone-based charity, which also became a company limited by guarantee in 2005. He said: “We need to be seen more.

“Parents want to do the best for their children, but may not know about Kent Music.

“We need to broaden and diversify, even to the extent of moving into other art forms.

“It’s potentially one of the biggest changes in the whole history of Kent Music.

“It’s very exciting, but all a bit scary.”

The changes will begin immediately, but are still evolving.

Kent Music, which has its headquarters at Astley House in Hastings Road, Maidstone, has more than 12,000 students across the county, ranging in age from babies in Kindermusik, through to adult beginners and returners.

The majority are students.

Next week’s Friday Interview in the Kent Messenger is with acting chief executive Robert Hoult.