New partnership to promote diversity in music education

An England-wide partnership has been formed to promote diversity in the country’s music education.

The Alliance for a Musically Inclusive England will aim to “transform music education in England by challenging policymakers, education providers and arts organisations to ensure that all children and young people can access music-making which is suitable for their needs and relevant to their interests”.

Funded through the national charity Youth Music, it comprises 13 organisations including Bristol Music Trust, Mac Birmingham and Sage Gateshead.

Its work will run for four years and will include offering more diverse genres of music, giving young people ownership of musical learning, removing structural barriers to participation, and forming local and national links with the music industry.

Professional training

The partners in the alliance will work locally to support the progression of young people from all backgrounds. This will include forming partnerships with local organisations, providing advice, championing the benefits of inclusive practice, and organising activities.

Music educators will be offered training, networking, accreditation and peer support.

One alliance partner, the charity NYMAZ, will deliver a programme in North Yorkshire, aimed at the rurally isolated, pre-school children, and people with physical and learning disabilities. NYMAZ will work with providers in the region to offer music projects for each of these groups and deliver training for music leaders and professionals who work with children and young people.

Matt Griffiths, CEO of Youth Music, said: “Inclusion is central to everything we do. The Alliance will work with the wider music education sector, extending the reach of musically inclusive practice and driving change. We have a strong evidence base which demonstrates the wide ranging social benefits of music, and we want that to be at the heart of music education practice. We hope that, with our influence, music education of the future will look very different.”