As a result of this, the MIA understands that GCSE Music is already being sidelined in some schools as Head Teachers scramble to increase attainment figures in the five categories.
Paul McManus, Chief Executive of the MIA, said: “The proposals as they stand for the new English Baccalaureate clearly pose a threat to the future of music education in this country. This is extremely short sighted and risks undermining the considerable benefits that music in the curriculum can bring – developing pride and community cohesion, narrowing social differences, enhancing creativity and raising attainment in literacy and numeracy. Music should be an integral part of a broad and balanced school curriculum. All of this will be put at risk if this decision is not reversed.”
Excluding music as a subject would also run contrary to the finding of Darren Henley’s Review of Music Education which was broadly supported by Michael Gove. This made the key finding that ‘Music should be included as one of the subjects that go to make up the new English Baccalaureate. Otherwise, there is a risk that the subject may be devalued.’
The UK economy, through its creative industries, benefits significantly from music, with over 130,000 people employed actively in the making, performing, recording and distributing of music contributing nearly £5bns to the economy annually.
