State schools are dramatically falling behind the independent sector when it comes to giving their pupils access to music lessons and learning musical instruments, the record industry has warned, according to this article in i news by Richard Vaughan.

Research published today shows barely one in 10 schools in the most deprived parts of the country offer their pupils the chance to play in an orchestra as opposed to four in five private schools.

A survey of teachers by BPI, the body representing the record industry, and the Brit Awards has revealed the “deeply unfair” divide in music provision between the richest and poorest pupils in the country.

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According to the figures, one in four schools serving disadvantaged communities offer no music instrument lessons to students that want them. This is opposed to almost all independent schools and those serving affluent communities offering such classes.

The report also reveals state schools have seen a 21 per cent decrease in music provision over the last five years whereas private schools have increased provision by 7 per cent over the same period.

You can read the rest of the BPI’s report in the article by i magazine here.

Comment

We’ve helped parents to secure music scholarship places for their children and many have achieved this whilst attending state schools.

Despite the gloom of the BPI’s report, some maintained schools do have a very strong music department and they provide a wide variety of opportunities for practice.

We’re also aware and have relationships with various local performance organisations and so if you’re interested in discussing the possibility of a music scholarship we’d be pleased to speak to you.