Music education funding in Wales is trebled to £13.5million

Over the next three years, Welsh government funding for music education will be tripled.

The Minister for Education has confirmed that funding for music education will be trebled, with £13.5 million invested over the next three years, as the National Plan for Music Education is released.

According to the Welsh government, this means that every child will be able to benefit from music education.

The plan will improve access to music education across Wales, with a special focus on learners from low-income families and those with additional educational needs.

A number of key work programmes are included in the plan, including:

• A review of the terms and conditions for music tutors to ensure that they are treated fairly.

• A First Experiences programme to provide musical instrument taster sessions to children in primary schools for at least half a term.

• Making Music with Others is a programme that provides secondary school students with opportunities to gain industry experience by working alongside musicians and creative professionals.

• A new national instrument and equipment library will facilitate access to a shared resource bank across Wales.

From September 2022, these programmes will be implemented.

The Welsh Local Government Association will coordinate the National Music Service's programmes with a wide range of local government agencies.

First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford and the Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, visited St Joseph’s Cathedral Primary School in Swansea to see a cluster of primary school children taking part in a ‘Play Along’ session led by Swansea Music Service. 

Mr Drakeford said: “Learning an instrument was a formative part of my upbringing and a lack of money should not be a barrier to any young person who wants to learn to play music.

"We are fortunate in Wales to have a strong tradition of school, county and national ensembles, and we want to make sure that our children and young people are able to play a full part in these.

"This funding will support music services in schools and within the community to help nurture our young musical talent.”

Mr Miles said: “Our vision is for all children and young people across Wales, regardless of background, to have the chance to learn to play an instrument.

“I remember how important it was to me to be able to have music tuition when I was in school.

"The chance to learn an instrument and develop musical skills is too often limited by cost and affordability nowadays, so we’re making this significant investment to deliver a range of activities for our children and young people, so that they can learn and experience the joy of music.”