Schools in deprived areas get music equipment funds

Grants worth a total of £420,000 have been announced for state schools to provide access to musical instruments and equipment.

The funding is being provided by Restore the Music UK and will go to 29 schools in areas of high deprivation across London, Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle.

It’s the latest round of support from the charity, which offers awards of £10,000 and £20,000 for accessible instruments and equipment in primary and secondary state schools. Since being established in 2013, it has donated £2.2m to 120 institutions, targeting those above-average free school meals and pupil premium percentages.

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Restore the Music UK CEO Polly Moore said, "Music unlocks potential, which makes it a powerful tool for change. Yet young people – particularly those facing the biggest barriers – are being denied this.

“We invest in all young people, reaching them through our grants to school music departments. Music is not just a nice-to-have; it's a must-have."

Meanwhile, Restore the Music ambassador and The Libertines drummer Gary Powell said, “It’s great to see Restore the Music reach even more young people and schools music departments.

"I’ve witnessed the results of their work. And I believe that these schools' investment in music education is creating well-rounded young individuals that will go on to become the leaders, the creatives, and the fixers of our society in the future.”

As part of Restore the Music's current support round, grantees could apply to a Music Tech Fund sponsored by the Sound Start Foundation.

Brendon Stead, CEO of Sound Start Foundation, said, “Everyone at Sound Start is thrilled that we are helping this exceptional initiative continue its mission to enable equal access to music learning opportunities and instruments, which will unlock the potential of the next generation of young music talent.”