MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS
Tackling inequality in music education SIMON POLLARD, Managing Director at Millers Music, explores the current state
of music education in the UK and discusses the work of Piano Equals in helping to ensure more children have access to this transformative subject
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nequality in music education is widening. Every child deserves access to high-quality musical instruments, but lack of resources has meant that one in five primary schools are not able to offer regular music lessons as part of their curriculum. State-funded secondary schools find themselves in a similar position, with almost 40% unable to offer compulsory music lessons in Year 9.
All children and young people, no matter their level of engagement with music, have the right to be supported with high-quality opportunities to progress as far as their interests lie. However, chronic underfunding prevents many schools from being able to purchase quality musical instruments. The piano is the centrepiece of music departments but many teachers and students are having to rely on old, neglected instruments that do not work properly.
We believe this needs to change. Studies have shown that music has the power to transform people’s lives: opportunities to play, learn and enjoy a musical instrument are incredibly important for children’s personal and academic outcomes.
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www.education-today.co.uk
Why is access to high-quality music education important?
For younger children in particular, music forms a vital part of a rich and rounded education in the way that it supports their brain development. Music has been shown to develop essential language, motor skills, emotional intelligence and collaboration skills that bolster children’s development throughout primary school through a highly creative outlet.
For students of all ages, music has the power to transform lives, and inspire and unleash creativity. Engaging in musical activity both individually and with others can lead to a number of positive developmental outcomes for students, including increased confidence and self-esteem, teamwork skills and improved mental health. Access to music education enables children to express themselves, and in some cases, help to nurture the musical stars of the future. At Millers Music, we support the vision laid out in the government’s National Plan for Music Education, which aims to level up musical opportunities available for all students. For many schools, limited access to quality instruments is often one of the main barriers to facilitating
November 2024
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