New Music Program in Wales Gives Disadvantaged Children Musical Opportunities
A new music education program was announced earlier this week that promises to make music more accessible for all young people in Wales. The Welsh government is funding the £13.5 million National Music Service program for the next three years which is triple the usual amount of funding for music education.
Wales’ education minister, Jeremy Miles said: “Whether we were born here or live in Wales, music has been a strong influence in all of our lives. “Music has been, and continues to be, one of the most inclusive ways to communicate and celebrate our culture and language.”
One of the main components of this program includes the National Plan for Music Education.
Miles continues: “Our vision for [Wales’] National Plan for Music Education is for all children and young people across Wales, regardless of background, to have the chance to learn to play an instrument.”
As cost of living increases across the United Kingdom, children’s music lessons perhaps won’t be top of everyone’s list of priorities. However, the Welsh government ensures their plan will “break down barriers and make sure that a lack of money in particular does not prevent any child or young person being able to play an instrument, sing, take part in or create music using traditional and digital ways.”
Over the past years, the Welsh government has made an effort to buy musical instruments, digital recording equipment, and adaptive instruments for people with special needs. This has resulted in a musical instrument and equipment library which can be shared with children all across the country. The program also includes the “Making Music With Others” initiative which gives secondary school students the opportunity to work with professional musicians in the industry to gain experience.
To learn more about the program and what it includes click here.
