skip to main content
Search

Concerns Over Proposals to Suspend School Music Lessons

Ofqual boss Ian Bauckham has suggested that schools might consider emergency timetable changes in response to the Omicron surge, that would see music teachers redeployed to other subjects. We advocate strongly against this idea.

Published: 06 January 2022 | 11:13 AM
Traffic caution sign for school against a bright background with blue sky and green trees.
This is no time to limit the curriculum by cutting statutory subjects like music. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The MU is concerned to read about proposals to suspend school music lessons in order to redeploy music teachers to other subjects. With pupils still catching up after last year’s lengthy school closures, this is no time to limit the curriculum by cutting statutory subjects like music. We will advocate strongly against any suspension of music in schools.

Last year the MU wrote to the new Education Secretary and Schools Minister, urging them to work together to protect music education. You can read the full details in MU National Organiser for Education and Health & Wellbeing, Chris Walters’s blog.

Share the MU’s statement and add your thoughts about the proposal on Twitter and Facebook.

See all news

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

The outside of the BBC Headquarters building.

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch

The MU has joined sister unions in writing to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy to reiterate the key principles that should underpin the BBC Charter Review process.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch
Black and white image of a conductor in front of the orchestra pit in a theatre, cast members are on stage in the background out of focus.

MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review

We broadly welcome Baroness Margaret Hodge’s review of Arts Council England, which reflects many of the concerns raised by the MU and other creative unions. We will now press the government to respond positively to its recommendations.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review
Naomi Pohl at Labour Party Conference 2024 holding a placard that says 'Labour's New Deal for Working People'.

Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law

The MU welcomes passage of the Employment Rights Bill, which will now become law. Shaped by trade union input, the legislation represents an important step forward for workers’ rights, equality and protections, with further reforms for freelancers promised in a second phase.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law
A person's open palm holding a graphic of sound waves.

MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI

The MU is urging the Government to drop its original AI proposal after the interim consultation response revealed overwhelming opposition. With only 3% of respondents backing the preferred option, ministers must now deliver robust regulation to protect musicians’ rights.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI
All news and features