Britain (Commonwealth)_The Government has assembled a team of experts to ensure that every child and young person has access to high-quality music education. The newly established Music Education Monitoring Board comprises over ten panel members with diverse backgrounds, including teachers and representatives from the music industry. This board aims to drive progress in delivering the Government’s National Plan for Music Education to 2030, which guarantees opportunities for all young people to thrive in the world of music through singing, playing instruments, and creating music together.
As part of these plans, the Government is committed to providing children and young people with a rich musical culture in schools and educational settings. This includes access to a high-quality music curriculum, as outlined in the Model Music Curriculum published in 2021. Starting from this September, schools are being encouraged to dedicate at least an hour per week to teaching music as part of their music development plan, supported by the national network of Music Hubs.
Furthermore, from September 2024, Music Hubs will receive £25 million in funding to ensure a wide range of instruments are available for children and young people to play both within and outside of school. This funding will also cover adapted instruments for those with special educational needs and disabilities, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in music education.
The newly formed Board, chaired by Veronica Wadley CBE, Baroness Fleet, will oversee the implementation of the National Plan for Music Education and monitor the progress made in achieving its goals. Comprising a panel of experts, the Board will convene for its first meeting later this month and plans to meet regularly throughout the year.
Expressing the Government’s commitment to providing high-quality music education, Schools Minister Nick Gibb stated that every student should have the opportunity to learn a comprehensive music curriculum, which introduces them to the finest music and equips them with the ability to read and write musical notation. He emphasized the enriching experience that music offers and the importance of ensuring that all schools provide a fulfilling music curriculum. The newly formed Board, under the guidance of Baroness Fleet, will play a vital role in guiding the implementation of the National Plan for Music Education.
Baroness Fleet, in her role as the Chair of the Monitoring Board, expressed her delight in continuing the work initiated in 2021. She emphasized the significance of embedding high-quality music education in schools and making it accessible to young people from all backgrounds. This commitment is crucial for nurturing talent and securing the future of renowned orchestras, the music industry, and the broader creative sector.
By fostering a collaborative approach between educators, industry professionals, and policymakers, the Government’s Music Education Monitoring Board aims to ensure that all children and young people have the opportunity to explore and excel in the world of music, regardless of their background, promoting a vibrant and inclusive music education landscape for the benefit of future generations.
