Mixed messages from Labour on music education | Letters
Katharine Chadwick points out a contradiction in government policies on music education, while Tom Yeo notes that the sciences also involve creativityIt’s nice to see that the government wants more...
By Guardian Staff · The Guardian Opinion
Katharine Chadwick points out a contradiction in government policies on music education, while Tom Yeo notes that the sciences also involve creativity It’s nice to see that the government wants more music in schools ( Ed Sheeran takes partial credit for move to overhaul music teaching in England, 5 November ), given the massive benefits to students’ souls – the pure joy and impact of collaboration, the expressive outlet, the skills learned, and the enjoyment for life. Music education also has huge benefits for communities and the economy – the UK has always excelled in the music industry. And yet the government is to withdraw the provision of a bursary payment for those training to be music teachers from the 2026-27 academic year. This reverses an earlier decision to offer a £10,000 bursary from 2023-24 onwards. Is music a priority or not? Katharine Chadwick Luddenden, West Yorkshire Continue reading...