The Wider Opportunity programmes, which are testing innovative ways of teaching music, where classroom and instrumental teachers are working closely together, have been running, at best, for two years, and most of them for only one year. Already we have evidence that between 70%nbsp;and 100% of pupils are opting to continue within the usual feeremission structures offered by local authority music services. How unfortunate that The TES headline suggests that these programmes have failed to ‘hit the right note’.

Having worked closely with staff and pupils, many of whom would acknowledge “steep learning curves” and lessons learned, it is very clear that they have not only “hit the right notes” with pupils and parents, many of whom would never have had this opportunity, but are now progressing to striking the right chords.

This is the most significant revolution in music education in recent years and although the pound;1.5 million - pound;10,000 for each music service - will not go very far it is vital that everyone involved, particularly the funders, are encouraged, in order to ensure their continued support.

Leonora Davies MBE
Chair of the Curriculum Task Group
National Association of Music Educators
Vice chair of The Music Education Council