Music champions in schools across North Yorkshire have welcomed opportunities for all pupils to learn a musical instrument and hone their talents alongside their classmates, regardless of their backgrounds.
North Yorkshire Council as a hub lead organisation has been awarded an Arts Council England grant of £1.2 million.
The move is part of an ambitious, national programme to provide high-quality music education for all children and young people.
Among those to benefit are pupils at Camblesforth Community Primary Academy. For the past six months a small group of children at the Selby-based school have been learning to play the violin and trumpet thanks to free instrument hire from the council’s music hub service. They also now have the opportunity to perform in ensembles and public concerts.
The school’s music lead, Rebecca Oldfield, said: “Music education can be a catalyst for so much more than just learning an instrument.
“Our pupils love to sing during music lessons as well as part of a weekly whole school singing assembly. The children have several performance opportunities to showcase their progress including a Christmas performance at the local church, a nativity in school and a musical showcase to parents and carers in the summer.”
She added: “Music is for everyone and thanks to the council’s funding boost, I’m looking forward to seeing more musical and creative experiences for pupils across North Yorkshire who can widen their horizons and access all the opportunities that learning a musical instrument can provide.”
On May 28, the council’s executive members unanimously accepted 947,000 in funding to subsidise partial or full discounts in music lessons and other musical experiences for children as well as £311,000 to buy new musical instruments after being announced as a winning bidder to work with partners to provide music education across York and North Yorkshire.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “The funding is tremendous news, congratulations to everyone involved. Music really brings a school to life.
“Music has such a positive impact – both socially and academically. As the lead organisation for the combined area we will open new opportunities in music and give young people a chance to gain skills, grow in confidence and form new friendships.
“We cannot wait to see a new generation of talent sing, compose and play their way into expressing themselves through music.”
The chief executive of Arts Council England, Darren Henley, said: “Music education is enormously powerful – it can enrich young people’s lives, help them connect with the people around them and start them on the pathway to fruitful and fulfilling careers.”
Looking ahead, the council’s music service aims to promote musical excellence across the county by continuing to work with schools and some of the best respected music and arts organisations.
In addition, it is also moving to a new payment system to enable parents and carers to pay for their lessons in advance. The new system also allows for direct sharing of information between teachers and parents, and the increased use of best practice between teachers who will be able to share key teaching material. Several music programmes are discounted or offered without any charge for pupils eligible for free school meals.
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