Musicians may not be getting all the lessons they need through music schools and courses around the UK. According to a report published by the Higher Education Funding Council and Youth Music yesterday musicians who have a formal music education are not sufficiently trained in ‘life and business skills’ to prepare them for the chaotic career paths that beckon most musicians.
At a debate at the National Film Theatre in London music education professionals also agreed:
- Music performance needs to become a bigger part of primary and secondary education, and the primary sector in particular needs to get government support in achieving this.
- The music schools and university music departments need to communicate more among themselves, and with community music groups, to properly support all budding musicians.
- Information about the skills required to pursue a career in music need to made available to those within, and outwith, the formal music training sector.
- Musicians needed to be encouraged to consider dedicating some of their time to training the next generation – especially in schools.
It is hoped the Funding Council will now be able to bring together key players in music education to discuss ways of extending opportunities to musicians of all backgrounds and all genres. For details on the report contact Youth Music on 020 7902 1085 or for press info contact Vail & Associates on 020 7738 0722.