Cutting music lessons will ‘cost soul of the nation’ warn musicians after drop in funding
14th July 2014
Radiohead’s classically trained guitarist Jonny Greenwood and Julian Lloyd Webber are also among the high-profile musicians supporting the campaign. The celebrated violinist Nicola Benedetti and trumpet soloist Alison Balsom are among leading musicians calling on the Government to drop controversial advice to local authorities to pull funding for music lessons, warning it could “cost the soul of the nation”.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We want every child in the country to have the opportunity to play and enjoy music. That is why music remains statutory under the new national curriculum. We have also committed £171 million to set up 123 music hubs up and down the country, and £84 million to help exceptionally talented young musicians and dancers from low income families access specialist training.
“Councils are free to spend the Education Services Grant as they see fit. While we know that these savings will be challenging, we are protecting the overall schools’ budget in real terms up to 2015-16, including the pupil premium. We will carefully consider the responses we received to the ESG consultation and will respond in due course.”
Read more on the Independent website.
