Page 941 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

without music”. It wasn’t entirely true but, as with most slurs, there was enough truth in it for

the mud to stick. How can we avoid slithering back into that Neanderthal state? Here are four

problem areas, and possible ways forward.

Education and diversity

The problem

It’s pointless for Arts Council England (ACE) to impose nannying “diversity” requirements on

the music organisations it funds when our education system guarantees that most people leave

school without having had their musical talents nurtured in any way. In state schools a tiny

minority of pupils now study music to GCSE level, and the music hubs (regional centres that

supposedly give all children the chance to play instruments) are so short of money that they are
hiking up their fees, thus making music tuition even more unaffordable for many families.

In such circumstances it will inevitably be privately educated students who excel in youth
orchestras and choirs, conservatoires and, after that, the music profession itself. So the notion

that classical music is overwhelmingly for white, middle-class performers and audiences

becomes true by default.

The solution

It’s not primarily about more funding. A complete change in attitude would go a long way
towards improving music education for everyone. Stop treating music as a dispensable extra in

state schools. Acknowledge its positive impact on how students perform in many different

academic subjects, as well as how it improves discipline, concentration, social confidence,

communication skills and mental wellbeing. And ensure Ofsted includes a rigorous assessment

of a school’s music teaching in its inspections.