To support the UK Government’s plan for all children to have access to an excellent music education, the Department for Education has published a new music curriculum for Key Stages 1, 2 and 3.
As part of the curriculum, pupils will learn about the great composers of the world and develop their knowledge and skills in reading and writing music. They will be taught about a range of genres and styles covering historically-important composers such as Vivaldi and Scott Joplin, and be introduced to instruments and singing from Year 1.
The Model Music Curriculum has been developed by a panel of 15 music education specialists – teachers, education leaders and musicians from across the UK – and led by Baroness Fleet, Veronica Wadley. Baroness Fleet is also a valued member of The Yehudi Menuhin School's governing body. The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) was contracted by the Department for Education to draft the Model Music Curriculum under the guidance of the panel.
The department has also committed £79 million in the 2021/22 financial year for Music Education Hubs which provide pupils with instruments to play in class, and £1 million for charities which teach pupils about different styles of music.
The Yehudi Menuhin School welcomes and applauds any initiatives that will widen access to good quality music education in mainstream schools, and hopes that this new curriculum will help to develop and inspire a new generation of musicians and music-lovers.