The announcement by the Welsh Government that it is to carry out a review of music education in Wales following concerns about patchy access for children is not just an admission that they got it wrong on this issue but also evidence of what happens when Ministers do not listen.
In this instance I am not talking about the current Education Minister or even the One Wales Government, but the minority Labour Government that was in position in 2005 and yes, the present Education Minister was a member of the Cabinet with a different brief but had collective responsibility for an incomprehensible decision nevertheless.
In 2005, The Music Development Fund, an initiative which provided £17 million for music education to over 60,000 young people, was abolished by the Welsh Government.
In April 2006, a report by Estyn praised the success of the Music Development Fund and raised serious concerns over the future of youth music in Wales. At the same time thirty two of Wales’s most famous musicians including Bryn Terfel, Karl Jenkins and the Super Furry Animals called for the re-establishment of the Music Development Fund and a Music Manifesto for Wales in order to halt the decline in youth music.
But Labour Ministers did not listen, insisting they were right and that it was the responsibility of local government to provide music lessons and development. Welsh Liberal Democrats, led by Mike German were adamant that the Labour Government were wrong:
“As a former music teacher, I am worried by the cuts in funding and the lack of national direction for youth music. Our country has a rich musical heritage and it is essential that young talent is properly supported. Where would Katherine Jenkins or Bryn Terfel be without crucial early support from their teachers?
“Wales’ musical heritage is at stake. I am disappointed that Rhodri Morgan declined to meet with thirty two of Wales’ top musicians who petitioned him on this issue.
“I believe the issue that they raise is an important one. We need a Music Manifesto for Wales. A manifesto which will provide a clear vision for youth music in Wales, supported by the funding necessary to resource it. I want to bring together music teachers, performers, artist and composers from across Wales to set out our musical ambitions.
“Rhodri needs to meet with these people to hear what the experts think of youth music in Wales. He must answer the challenge put to him by some of Wales’ leading musicians.
“We need reassurance from the Government that youth music will have secure funding and a clear future. Currently it is a lottery.”
Those warnings have proved to be remarkably prescient. As a result the Education Minister has had to furiously back-pedal. Yet another example of blinkered decision making by Welsh Labour Ministers.
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Perhaps you would like to say something about local authority support for music, in particular by Swansea City and Neath Port Talbot, in the face of severe pressure on budgets. If only there were more even funding across Wales.
Yes. What happened was that the 17 million pounds was subsumed into the general local council revenue support grant and local councils continued to use it to provide music but because of the pressures and because it was no longer a specific grant the quantum became diminished and the numbers benefiting decreased sharply.