Music lessons can form a vital part of a balanced school curriculum.
However, ahead of the results of the government’s education review, a number of local authorities in England have already begun making pre-emptive cuts to music services and music teaching.
The Music Industries Association (MIA) has expressed concern over these moves, which it says are taking place despite a promise from the government earlier this year that it would “continue to provide funding” for the subject.
“We are extremely concerned about these actions that are clearly being taken even before we know the recommendations to be made following the review of music education being undertaken by Darren Henley, which is not yet published.” Pointed out Paul McManus, the chief executive officer of the MIA.
He continued: “Music Services are an important and proven mechanism for delivering high-quality education and training to schools and can achieve more than individual schools can on their own.”
Research has found that studying music from a young age can help to encourage creativity and help to raise attainment in literacy and numeracy.
The MIA is not the first organisation to raise concerns over the future of music provision in schools.
Late last year, the Federation of Music Services (FMS) warned that as local authorities look to make savings and school budgets are withdrawn, music lessons are expected to be the first casualty.
One in five music services which support schools expect councils will completely axe their grants and half fear cuts of up to 50 per cent, FMS research found.
However, implementing these cuts to music services should be viewed as being short-sighted. The MIA explains that, through its creative industries, the UK economy enjoys a number of benefits.
Over 130,000 people are currently employed actively in the making, performing, recording and distributing of music contributing nearly £5 billion to the economy annually.
However, ahead of the results of the government’s education review, a number of local authorities in England have already begun making pre-emptive cuts to music services and music teaching.
The Music Industries Association (MIA) has expressed concern over these moves, which it says are taking place despite a promise from the government earlier this year that it would “continue to provide funding” for the subject.
“We are extremely concerned about these actions that are clearly being taken even before we know the recommendations to be made following the review of music education being undertaken by Darren Henley, which is not yet published.” Pointed out Paul McManus, the chief executive officer of the MIA.
He continued: “Music Services are an important and proven mechanism for delivering high-quality education and training to schools and can achieve more than individual schools can on their own.”
Research has found that studying music from a young age can help to encourage creativity and help to raise attainment in literacy and numeracy.
The MIA is not the first organisation to raise concerns over the future of music provision in schools.
Late last year, the Federation of Music Services (FMS) warned that as local authorities look to make savings and school budgets are withdrawn, music lessons are expected to be the first casualty.
One in five music services which support schools expect councils will completely axe their grants and half fear cuts of up to 50 per cent, FMS research found.
However, implementing these cuts to music services should be viewed as being short-sighted. The MIA explains that, through its creative industries, the UK economy enjoys a number of benefits.
Over 130,000 people are currently employed actively in the making, performing, recording and distributing of music contributing nearly £5 billion to the economy annually.