November 2023
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This conference focused on the future for music education in England.
Stakeholders and policymakers assessed priorities and next steps following:
- the Government’s strategy outlined in The power of music to change lives: a national plan for music education
- the DfE’s implementation guidance for this year and announcement of support in What the national plan for music education means for children and young people
It was an opportunity to examine the key ambitions for all schools to provide a broad musical education, as well as the resources, frameworks and organisational changes that will be needed.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: James Dickinson, Chair, Music Mark; and Head, Hull Music Service; Dr Ally Daubney, Honorary Senior Lecturer in Education, University of Sussex; and Dr Robert Gardiner, Programme Lead, Music Education, Royal Northern College of Music.
Stakeholders discussed the recommendations for agencies and schools to work together to improve access to music, and how this objective can be met, for example, by providing instruments for children to play and supporting teachers in running activities outside of school hours.
They also assessed post-16 routes, including progression into higher education, employment, and apprenticeships, looking at the role of universities, qualification providers, and employers in these pathways.
Further sessions looked at:
- quality: improving standards across the music curriculum, including the role of regulation
- cooperation and coordination: developing a joined-up approach - exploring the role of Music Education Hubs so far - expanding partnerships with cultural institutions
- the workforce: music teacher training, recruitment and retention
- increasing participation: vocational music education study options - accessibility, including provisions for disadvantaged groups such as pupils from deprived backgrounds or with learning difficulties
- progression: pathways for music students beyond secondary school into higher education and creative industries
- wider impact: growing the role of music in social mobility for young people
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the Cabinet Office; DfE; IPO; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons.
