The plan will help level up opportunities for children
from all backgrounds to take part in musical education,
including the chance to learn how to play an
instrument, perform in a choir or band, and develop a
lifelong love of music.
School Standards Minister said:
All children, regardless of their background, should
get the opportunity to play musical instruments,
learn to sing and learn how to read and write music
in the classroom.
I want to continue to level up opportunities so all
young people can get the best out of their music
education. We can only achieve this if we reflect on
the latest advances in music and work together with
experts in the music industry, specialist teachers,
as well as reflecting on young people’s experiences.
Chief Executive of the Arts Council, Dr Darren Henley
said:
Learning to perform and compose music is a life
changing experience, unlocking decades of discovery,
enjoyment and creativity. The Government’s commitment
to a new National Plan for Music Education is an
exciting step in nurturing the next generation of
creative talent across England. These young people
will go on to become the music industry professionals
and the audiences of the future. It’s important that
everyone who cares about music takes part in this
consultation so that all young people get the chance
to fulfil their musical potential.
Lord Webber said:
Every child should have the right to free music
education as a vital part of the school curriculum.
Music is an empowering force for good.
I am very pleased that the Department For Education
has taken on board the proven achievements of the
Music In Secondary Schools Trust. Under its aegis,
8,000 children now have full access to music whereas
before there was none. Parents report that their
children now have pride in their accomplishments and
that their self-esteem, confidence and self-worth
have grown.
It has been proven to be the common denominator in
schools where often over sixty languages are spoken.
I passionately hope this is the beginning of seeing
music back where it belongs as a central part of our
schools’ curriculum.
This builds on the recently announced £85million for a
further year of our current music and arts programmes,
including music hubs, and is in addition to the
manifesto commitment to offer an ‘arts premium’ to
secondary schools to allow young people to learn
creative skills and widen their horizons.
The refreshed National Plan will be published in autumn
2020 and will build on the current plan which was first
published in 2011, which sets out our ambitious vision
for music education for all children in England. The
plan established the music education hubs – a network
working in and beyond schools to give children the
opportunity to sing and learn instruments.
The Call for
Evidence includes specific questions on areas
experts have told us are particularly important,
including SEND and inclusivity, music technology and
the music education hubs. The responses and experiences
put forward will help inform changes to the plan which
will then be fully consulted on.
