The funding attached to the NMS is vital for music services across Wales. Photo: Shutterstock.
A Welsh Government grant of £12 million – £4 million per year – has been awarded to the Welsh National Music Service. Funding is provided until March 2028.
The National Music Service (NMS) works with local authorities and key stakeholders to implement the Welsh National Plan for Music Education, delivering a wide range of inclusive opportunities for learners in schools and other settings to play, sing, take part in and create music. It has also supported improvements such as enhanced first experiences schemes and better coordination between music services.
The MU is still in discussions with Welsh Government
The funding attached to the NMS is vital for music services across Wales, so the MU welcomes the news that it has been agreed for another three years.
However, its initial funding was £4.5 million per year, and the reduction to £4 million could still result in music service restructures and reduced service delivery across Wales. The MU is therefore in discussions with Welsh Government about how funding levels could be increased.
We also hope to continue work with Welsh Government and the NMS on improving pay and conditions for instrumental and vocal teachers and increasing provision for young people, including through the official NMS advisory board.
We also hope to continue work on pay and conditions for instrumental and vocal teachers
Andy Warnock, MU Regional Organiser for Wales and South West England, said:
“We’re pleased that Welsh Government has now confirmed that funding for the NMS will continue and that music services and our members have clarity on the situation. However, we’re disappointed that the funding is a real-terms cut of over 21% compared to the initial funding for the NMS in spring 2022.
“The NMS has been positive for music education and young people across Wales, and there is good work happening in Welsh music services, but more funding is needed to support Welsh Government’s ambition of increasing access to music education for all young people. We’ll continue to call for increased funding for the NMS of at least £5m per year.
“We also hope to continue work on pay and conditions for instrumental and vocal teachers and secure a union seat on the NMS advisory board in line with Welsh Government’s commitment to social partnership.”