The Musicians’ Union (MU) has responded to the publication of the National Plan for Music Education in Wales, welcoming the news and outlining its views on next steps for ensuring it delivers on its promises.
Published earlier this week, the National Plan has so far been met with a positive response from across the sector, with many highlighting the financial backing and mid- to long-term strategy as promising signs.
In an article written by the MU’s national organiser for education and health and wellbeing, Chris Walters, the MU notes that the Welsh plan includes a review of instrumental and vocal teachers’ terms and conditions - an area currently ‘overlooked’ by the now outdated English plan.
Warning against replicating England 'situation'
Following a brief outline of the plan’s contents, the MU says: ‘While the MU sees the plan as a significant step forward, we will be watching closely to see that it delivers all that is promised with sufficient evaluation and accountability.’
Its central concern is that schools are required to ‘engage with the plan’, so that the ‘situation in England’ is not replicated. ‘Schools are under no obligation to engage with music education hubs,’ writes Walters, ‘which has led to patchy provision’
The response continues: ‘Time will tell if the allocated budget is sufficient to include all schools and children, and this will need to be kept under review.’
'First Experiences' follow-on tuition?
As discussed in the Senedd on Tuesday, the MU highlights the importance of ‘follow-on tuition’ after the ‘First Experiences’ initiative.
In the Senedd, Jeremy Miles, minister for education and the Welsh language, said that there will be a new focus on making music accessible right through the school journey, with instrumental tuition remaining free if a pupil is taking GCSE or A Level Music.
He said: ‘The investment we are making now is from the grassroots up, and not from the top down. We can experiment here to get the best experience for young people.’
The MU says in its response: ‘Ideally, all instrumental tuition should be free throughout a child’s school education, and we would like to see the Welsh government work towards this goal.’
Ensuring roll-out is sufficiently resourced
Walters also points out that ‘just one new staff role’ within the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) is to be dedicated to the new National Music Service, which will deliver the plan.
He writes: ‘There will need to be a review of whether the WLGA is sufficiently resourced to oversee the roll-out of such an ambitious project.’
In a ‘final thoughts’ section, the MU’s response says: ‘This is great news overall and a real victory in terms of some important ideas making their way into Welsh government policy - universal access to high-quality music education, and proper support and recognition for instrumental teachers.
‘There’s a long way to go, however, and the MU will continue to engage constructively.’
