Power of Music to Change Lives
Even though the funding isn’t available, the government agrees how important music is – it can change lives! We can all agree that!
The government white paper The power of music to change lives: A National Plan for Music Education
Published on 25th June 2022 the plan says:
“Excellent music education opens opportunities, but it is not simply a means to an end: it is also an end in itself. It gives children and young people an opportunity to express themselves, to explore their creativity, to work hard at something, persevere and shine. These experiences and achievements stay with them and shape their lives.
That is why music is an essential part of a broad and ambitious curriculum for all pupils. It must not be the preserve of the privileged few. Music should be planned and taught as robustly as any other foundation curriculum subject, as exemplified in the Model Music Curriculum”…
“Music is a cornerstone of the broad and balanced education that every child should receive. It touches hearts and minds, it celebrates and challenges, and it connects us and moves us.
In the same way that we teach children literacy and numeracy to prepare them for adult life, we must also give them the musical tools they need for a lifetime of music-making and enjoyment. For some, music will be the foundation of a career in one of the country’s most important and globally-recognised industries. For others, it will provide experiences and skills which develop their creativity. For many, music will simply be a source of joy, comfort and companionship throughout their lives.
While the value of learning, enjoying and making music is undeniable, so is the value of music to our economy. In 2019, the music industry contributed £5.8 billion to the UK economy, and although the impact of the pandemic reduced this to £3.1 billion in 2020, the sector represents a vital part of the UK economy and its global ‘soft power’. Pre-pandemic, it generated £2.9 billion in exports and supported 200,000 jobs.
Music education fuels the talent pipeline into this world-leading industry. This industry not only offers employment opportunities but is also directly engaged in the education of our next generation of musicians, from the outreach programmes of our national orchestras to the paid internships offered by major record labels.
Music education is an ongoing and incremental journey and will not look the same for all children. Some will only wish to study music in class up to age 14. Others will pursue qualifications such as GCSEs, A levels, technical awards or graded music exams. Some will want to learn an instrument or create music without studying it at school. Others will continue music into further and higher education.
Many will engage in self-directed learning, often using technology. Some will play an instrument or sing for pleasure only. Others may be inspired to pursue a future in our wider arts and creative sectors, including the education of the next generation.
All these children and young people must be supported with high-quality opportunities to progress as far as their interests lie. This can only be delivered through a partnership of organisations putting children and young people first, not competing to ‘own their talent’, and through the dedication of brilliant music teachers up and down the country.
Government believes that all children, regardless of background, should have access to a high-quality music education, should understand their options, and be supported to make progress. This refreshed NPME will help us to ensure that ambition is realised. Everyone has a part to play.”
Every primary school is supposed to have daily singing and provide opportunities for learning instruments. This is simply not happening in most schools in our area, primarily due to lack of suitable staff. If this is to be remedied specialist teachers need to be made available with only nominal cost to the school (or none) and suitable instruments provided. Since this has not been happening under statutory provision, then other organisations, trusts and individuals must help to ensure the legally required provision, as a minimum, is available. This is our mission at CATS.
