As a professional composer and part-time teacher I heartily welcome the Government’s pound;180 million investment in music education. However, I was disappointed to see Robbie Williams use the announcement to take a swipe at classroom music teachers. Apparently, at his school he was just given a recorder and taught to play Three Blind Mice.
Perhaps Mr Williams was unlucky. Music in schools today is a vibrant, practical subject exploring music from different eras and cultures. Pupils have access to a wide range of equipment including traditional classroom instruments and electronic keyboards Singing and dancing are encouraged. Enjoyable participation is the order of the day.
I would like to invite Mr Williams to one of my lessons. If he had a bad time in music lessons at school I’d like to show him how things are different now and the Government’s investment can only make things better.