The Musicians’ Union (MU) has welcomed the statement by Nick Gibb, Minister of State at the Department for Education, published today in The Times.
The Minister particularly focuses on the importance of music for children in primary schools across the UK and “making sure all young people leave school having had a broad and balanced education, but also with the skills that will enable them to make their way in the world.”
He continues: “Studying, learning and playing music isn’t a privilege or a nice-to-have, it’s a vital part of a child’s education and we are making sure that every child can benefit.”
MU General Secretary Horace Trubridge says:
“We are pleased to see that the government has reacted positively to our call for more investment in music education in the UK and has addressed particularly the issues affecting music in primary schools.
“The Fabian Society’s report released today, Primary Colours, reveals a huge decline in arts education since 2010 and it is heartening to see the government acknowledging that some of their education policies have been detrimental to access to the arts for all children.
“As our research we released last year showed students from low incomes families are significantly less likely to have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument than their more affluent peers.
“It is important that this lack of equality of access is addressed so children from all backgrounds are able to engage in music making as a statutory part of their education. More needs to be done but this is a welcome start.”
The statement by Nick Gibb, Minister of State at the Department for Education, can be accessed by subscribers to The Times.