Music isn't just an added extra, it has very postive benefits for the whole school and for children's education across the board - for discipline, self-esteem, confidence, teamwork. All of which are integral to a good education. It has to be part and parcel of the whole education offer.

Music plays an important part in most people's lives and can be a very strong source of motivation for children and young people. It is essential that all children are given a wide range of quality musical opportunities and the Music Manifesto deserves our full support for working towards this aim. I'd like to see all ministers, musicians and parents signed up.

In this country, we have some of the most musical and creatively dynamic young people in the world – they are the foundation of our internationally recognised creative economy and music industry.

I am committed to supporting opportunities for all young people to realise their creative potential through music and the arts, whatever their background and wherever they live.  In signing up to the Music Manifesto, we have all made a commitment to working together on the design and delivery of the music education of the future