Report published on future of music services in Wales

An independent report seeking to maintain and ensure the provision of high quality music services in Wales is being published today by the Welsh Government.

The report was produced by the Music Services Task and Finish Group that was commissioned by Education Minster, Huw Lewis, to examine how music services provision in Wales could be secured.  The group was chaired by Karl Napieralla OBE.

The group’s final report sets out 15 different recommendations for securing music provision including the development of case study type guidance for local authorities, the use of the National Procurement Service for collective and cheaper buying of musical instruments and increased partnership working and collaboration between local authorities.

It also includes the idea of a National Endowment for Music to provide funding for young people to develop musical skills and experience including the possibility of a voluntary ticket levy at arts venues.

The report recommends that schools working with local authorities should adopt clear, fair and consistent charging policies for music tuition and that local authorities should work together to develop collective share, repair and maintenance schemes.

Education Minister, Huw Lewis said:

“Music is an integral, energising and enriching force within the curriculum and I believe that all children, whatever their backgrounds, deserve the opportunity to experience music as part of their lives.

“I welcome this report and the recommendations it includes for Welsh Government, local authorities and other key partners.

“I am particularly interested in the group’s recommendation for an endowment to support the development of grassroots music and can confirm that I have asked the Arts Council of Wales to undertake a feasibility study into this idea, including the possibility of a voluntary ticket levy at arts venues.

“I want to give all organisations affected by the recommendations time to digest the report and make their views known and I will respond formally to it in the autumn.”

Task and Finish Group member and South West and Mid Wales Consortium adviser, Emyr Wynne Jones said:

“As one who has been involved in music education for over 35 years, I was delighted to see the Minister establish the Task and Finish Group, and was grateful for the opportunity to be involved.

“These are trying times for all county council services, not least music services who deliver non-statutory provision. This musical provision is vital for the development of children and young people, and essential if we are to preserve our rich musical and cultural heritage as a nation.

“I hope that the work of the group and the recommendations go some way towards securing the future of music service provision in Wales in these trying times.”

The report has also been welcomed by the Arts Council who have agreed to undertake a feasibility study on the endowment idea on behalf of the Welsh Government.