08.03.2021: UK Music’s Director of Education & Skills Dr Oliver Morris writes about why music education is so important – especially now.

Music has been massively important to young people over the last year helping them cope with the unprecedented challenges they have faced.

It would be a tragedy to let provision fall further, rather than build upon its renewed sense of importance to individuals, community and society before it’s too late.

We must ensure Covid-19 doesn’t sound the death knell for music in schools and we urge the government to act decisively to protect it.

Music has the power to provide a lot of positivity in these difficult times as well as assist pupils in their reintroduction to school life.

In some cases the innovation brought about through necessity under Covid-19 will strengthen the music offer if supported decisively now.

Tech, for example, has been embraced eagerly with one music service reporting that they feel they are emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic stronger and more upskilled and able to offer even more services.

Many professionals have worked tirelessly to ensure at least some provision went ahead and they deserve our heartfelt thanks but inevitably services have been severely impacted.

Now is the time for the Government to demonstrate its support for teachers, school leaders, music services and hubs and community music organisations.

Music must remain a part of school life so no matter what a pupil’s socio-economic or geographical situation it is accessible to all.