Monday 24 January 2011

Councils make early cuts while future of ring-fenced government funding unknown

The musicians’ professional body, the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM), says local authorities are going ‘too far, too soon’ by cutting budgets for children’s music lessons, while the national funding picture remains unclear.

As a survey of local authority music services reveals planned cuts of almost 75% over the next two years, the ISM is urging councils to await the results of an important government review of music education instead of slashing support.

The Henley Review of Music Education, expected to report in the next fortnight, will be critical to the future of music education in England. The review examines how music education is provided as well as the future of the £82.6 million ring-fenced Music Grant.

Deborah Annetts, Chief Executive of the ISM, said:

‘Councils are making drastic cuts to children’s music lessons before they know the outcome of this crucial review. They are going too far, too soon.

‘The government has specifically stated that it wants every child to have the chance to learn an instrument and the Henley Review was set up to make that happen. The government's response must clearly spell out the future funding arrangements for music.’

In addition to premature cuts, one third of local authority music services have also warned staff of potential redundancies.

Paul McManus, Chief Executive of ISM corporate member the Music Industries Association (MIA), spoke in support of music services:

‘We are extremely concerned about these actions that are clearly being taken even before we know the recommendations to be made following the review of music education.

‘Music services are an important and proven mechanism for delivering high-quality education and training to schools and can achieve more than individual schools can on their own.’

'Nursery of musical talent'

Local authority music services have also been a ‘nursery of musical talent’ says Annetts. Iconic British musicians including Jacqueline du Pré (Hertfordshire Music Service), Richard Rodney Bennett (Reading Youth Orchestra) and even the trumpeter from the Coronation Street theme, Ronnie Hunt, all learnt their instruments through music services.

Many services are also seeking to change the terms of teachers' employment, prompting ISM members to seek help from their professional body. Peter Roberts, Head of Legal at the ISM said:

‘With more music services now shifting people into ‘self-employed’ roles and avoiding full and part-time employment, it is more important than ever to have the support of a professional association that can help you through these uncertain times.’

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