skip to main content

The MU Calls For Music Education Overhaul as DCMS Select Committee Opens Inquiry

The MU made the call in written evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee inquiry into the social impact of participation in culture and sport.

Published: 20 June 2018 | 12:00 AM Updated: 25 March 2022 | 4:02 PM

The Musicians’ Union (MU) is calling on Government for an overhaul of music education provision. The MU made the call in written evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee inquiry into the social impact of participation in culture and sport.

Research by UK Music, of which the MU is a member, shows that 50 percent of children attending independent schools receive sustained music tuition, compared to just 15 percent in state schools.

“This lack of diversity in the provision of education has an effect all the way up the pipeline. Orchestras, for example, are being told that they must improve the diversity in their ranks. This becomes virtually impossible if there is a lack of diversity further down the chain,” says the MU.

The MU is calling on Government to strengthen opportunities to develop new artistic and creative talent.

“In the field of music, one of the major ways to achieve this would be through an overhaul of music education provision. Not only should all children participate in classroom music teaching, but they should also all have the opportunity to learn an instrument at the hands of a qualified instrumental teacher,” states the MU.

In its submission, the MU also highlights the value of grassroots music venues.

In its inquiry, the Select Committee is asking whether sport has been better for social mobility than the arts. The MU comments:

“If it is true that sport has been better for social mobility than the arts, then the MU would argue that this can be put down to the cost of access. This is particularly the case when it comes to music. Whilst learning to play sport is free for every child at school, the same is not true of learning to play a musical instrument.”

The inquiry starts receiving evidence in person on Tuesday 19 June.

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

An empty conference stage, lit up multi coloured blocks.

Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025

The MU will be attending and sponsoring a workshop at this year’s We Make Music Scotland Conference, taking place on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

Published: 02 July 2025

Read more about Join the MU at the We Make Music Scotland Conference 2025
Wooden blocks with speech bubble graphics on them against a blue background, a single block with a red stop sign is in front of them, blocking the line, representing free speech restrictions.

MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance

The MU reiterates its anti-censorship position and support for the organisation ‘Freemuse’, following the issues around the broadcasting of Glastonbury sets this weekend.

Published: 01 July 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance