§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his policy towards the nature, scope and objectives of music teaching in (a) primary and (b) secondary education; what representations he has received about the level of resources available for music teaching in schools; if he has any plans to make additional resources available for this purpose; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThe Government believe that all pupils in our schools can derive fulfilment and enjoyment from the study and practice of music. Music education in both primary and secondary schools should provide firsthand musical experiences which challenge and absorb pupils across the whole range of musical ability, and give them all the opportunity to show what they know, understand and can do. It should also foster the development of those pupils who display particular musical talent. The discussion document "Music from 5 to 16", published by Her Majesty's inspectorate last year in its "Curriculum Matters" series, examined in detail the nature, scope and objectives of a music education based on these principles. Comments on that document are still being received.
My right hon. Friend has received representations from time to time both about the general quality of music education in schools and from individual parents about the provision available for their children. We believe that the level of funding should be adequate to give music a worthwhile place in both the primary and secondary curriculum. However, as I stated in my reply to the hon. Member on 13 November at column 175, responsibility for determining from within the resources available to them how much should be provided for music education in maintained schools rests with the local education authorities and schools themselves. My right hon. Friend has no present plans to make available additional resources specifically for music teaching in maintained schools, but the Government are currently providing aided places for over 300 gifted young musicians at four specialist music schools participating in the music and ballet scheme.