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Every primary school to become a musical school

A national campaign to make our primary schools come alive with the sound of music has been launched.

The campaign will involve a £332 million investment in choirs, orchestras, new instruments, performance and free music lessons.

The Government has already gained backing from musical heavyweights Andrew Lloyd Webber and Julian Lloyd Webber, as well as pop singer Jamelia, in its bid to renew the country’s musical traditions, creating a musical culture in schools for all to embrace, not just the few.

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. Every parent knows how much it means to their child to be involved in a school performance and the pride and inspiration it offers the whole family.”

Over the next three years £332 million funding will be make available to raise the standard of music education for children. This includes £40 million to buy brand new musical instruments and £40 million to the Sing Up programme to provide a national song bank and training to put singing back into the classroom.

Julian Lloyd Webber, the cellist and long time champion of music education, said: “I have always been one hundred per cent behind the aims and aspirations of the Music Manifesto. The reason I did not sign up to it before now was because there seemed to be too much wishful thinking without the wherewithal to deliver its promises. Today the government has proved that it really does mean business with this massive extra commitment towards music education.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .