18/10/2006
An independent report – with more than 50 recommendations to boost the teaching of music to young people - was welcomed today by the Government. The Music Manifesto - the campaign for improvement in music education – is backed by over 600 signatories and calls for:
- more opportunities for young people to deepen and broaden their musical interests and skills
- our most talented young musicians to be identified and nurtured
- a world class workforce in music education
- improved support structures for young people’s music making
- a national singing campaign
Speaking at the launch, Culture Minister David Lammy said,
"I grew up in a house full of music, from Bob Marley to John Wesley. My choral scholarship to Peterborough was the launchpad for my life’s trajectory. So I welcome the Music Manifesto, which brings together the voices of over 500 contributors, and truly reflect the unique and wholly collaborative nature of music making at its finest.
From orchestras and choirs to MTV and iPod, music is the life blood of our young people and it is this nation’s common currency. The Music Manifesto’s report recognizes this and will help us extend music’s reach even further.
"We must thank all of those who contributed to the Report, and particularly to Marc Jaffrey and Rick Rogers for drawing together the views of so many individuals into one collective voice. "
Schools Minister Andrew Adonis said,
"We welcome this report which acknowledges the brilliant work that schools and other music providers are doing in music education. We know that music can make a unique contribution to education by boosting pupils' self-confidence and attainment. That's why we are providing support to Music Services and schools totalling £83million in 2007-2008.
"We know that one of the things that pupils enjoy most about learning music is the opportunity to play an instrument. The number of primary school children learning an instrument has doubled since 2002. But we want to do even more. Last month, we announced a package of new measures to support the teaching of music in primary schools which included £2m to support the further training of specialist teachers. Over 2,000 teachers are expected to benefit from the new package."
Ministers stated that they will be considering the contents of the Report and the specific recommendations, and will respond in due course.
Download a PDF of Music Manifesto Report No 2 below (excerpts and summary versions also available) or order a printed copy of the report from:
DfES Publications , PO Box 5050, Sherwood Park, Annesley, Nottingham, NG15 0DJ
Tel: 0845 60 222 60, Fax: 0845 60 333 60 , Textphone: 0845 60 555 60
Email: dfes@prolog.uk.com
Please quote ref: 03899-2006DOM-EN
ISBN 978-1-84478-820-0 © Crown copyright 2006
You can request multiple copies for your colleagues on a first come first served basis