 21-11-07 Government
announce £332 million music lesson investement
Making
Every Child’s Music Matter
Last November saw the Government pledge unprecedented
funds into the education of music in schools. The numbers of young
people taking up music has been dwindling for years and with a
lack of investment has meant that some children with a keen interest
in music have gone through their schooling with no opportunity
to develop that interest into a skill.
The basis of this new Government programme ‘Making Every
Child’s Music Matter’ is to reintroduce musical culture
in schools for all to embrace, not just the few. Over the next
three years £332 million will be invested into choirs, orchestras,
new instruments, performance and free music lessons. The aim is
to raise the standard of music education for all children.
Part of this investment will be spent in the following areas:
• £82million a year for the
next three years for Local Authorities to spend on music education. This will pay for free music tuition
for every child for a year in the early years of primary school.
• £40million to buy new musical instruments.
• £40million to the ‘Sing Up’ programme to put singing
back into the classroom.
The Music Manifesto report “Making Every Child’s Music
Matter” Is being put into practice and is now supported by
many celebrities such as Andrew Lloyd Webber and Julian Lloyd Webber
and singer Jamelia.
Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls
said: "Every child from all backgrounds should have the chance
to perform, play an instrument or sing and I want every school
to become a musical school. I'm delighted that people like Andrew
Lloyd Webber, who have put English music on the map, are supporting
the Music Manifesto. Everyone should get behind our efforts to
make music a key part of the school day for the educational and
personal benefits for children and the cultural enrichment and
enjoyment it brings people of all ages.
The programme is widely regarded as a step towards creating a new
generation of
musical talent that Britain can be proud of.
Culture secretary James Purnell said: "Learning about the
arts is part of a good education. We want all children to have
the chance to develop their creativity and today's announcement
on music marks a step change in our ability to do so."
To find out more visit website at http://www.musicmanifesto.co.uk |
