16/01/2007
Alan Johnson announces £10m funding for Music Education at State of Play
Education Secretary Alan Johnson used his Ministerial Address at State of Play to unveil a £10m boost for music education. The package of measures, including a national singing champion, was announced as the Government's response to the Music Manifesto Report Making Every Child's Music Matter.
Mr Johnson opened the first day of the State Of Play festival with a speech outlining the Government's commitment to the next stage of the Music Manifesto. Addressing the assembled delegates he lent his support for the Music Manifesto and said: "As well as being a worthwhile activity for its own sake - music is a powerful learning tool which can build children's confidence, teamwork and language skills. A better musical education for pupils an also help them hit the right note in their studies."
The £10m package includes an emphasis upon singing within music education, and he named composer and broadcaster Howard Goodall as the Singing Ambassador. This role will see Goodall lead the Government's national singing campaign for primary schools and Mr Johnson said he was "delighted" that he had agreed to lead it. He added: "I'm sure his knowledge, experience and contacts will ensure that this investment is put to best effect.
"Music has a tremendous power to bring people together - that is why I want to set up a 21st century songbook for schools, containing songs that every child knows and sings."
In his speech, Alan Johnson also thanked Marc Jaffrey, the Music Manifesto Champion, and acknowledged the unique contribution made by all signatories to the Manifesto.
The Government's key responses to the recommendations in Making Every Child's Music Matter are as follows:
1 - An extra £10m to boost music education, especially school singing, both in and out of school hours. The extra £10m invested represents a huge commitment in addition to the £25m already announced for instrumental tuition next year. The extra cash will also fund a major national singing campaign for primary schools led by Howard Goodall.
2 - A 21st century songbook to provide a top 30 song list for whole school/whole class singing. Singing teachers and children will be invited to nominate and then bid for their favourite material.
3 - Choir schools to work in partnership with local schools and other music providers to boost local singing. Some choir schools are already providing a wide range of outreach activities, including the provision of singing master classes and summer schools to their local community. There are 34 choirs schools, with 3 leading the way with outreach programmes. This initiative will be roles out to around 20 more choir schools in 2007, with additional funding to expand their coverage of local schools.
4 - The rolls out of Music Start to engage parents and young children in music making. There will also be more collaboration between school and creative and cultural sectors.
5 - Increased investment in training for teachers and music leaders.