Marc Jaffrey urges Kent's music educators to unite in face of radical changes

According to Marc Jaffrey OBE, schools, teachers and cultural organisations must unite and drive a common purpose if Kent’s music education is to benefit from radical government recommendations that will see changes in delivery and funding.

From left, Peter Bolton, Richard Finn, Marc JaffreySpeaking at a conference hosted by Kent Music on Friday 14 October, Mr Jaffrey urged more than 100 people involved with the county’s music education to collaborate and approach change as a strong united force. He warned that a half-hearted 'togetherness' would fail and severely impact on music education, particularly funding.

Mr Jaffrey, who led the successful Music Manifesto campaign to champion music education in the UK, has been an independent government adviser and is a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts.

He said that unprecedented economic pressures and the possibility that music may be removed as obligatory from the National Curriculum made it vital for a geographic hub to be formed. It needed to plan resources, bid for funds and raise awareness of the importance of music.

Mr Jaffrey added that music not only contributed to the education of young people but is well documented as important for wider life skills, behavioural attitudes and fostering a feeling of social inclusion.

Chairing the conference was Richard Finn, Chairman of Kent Music trustees, who told delegates it was the first time such a gathering had been formed to discuss the future of the county’s music education. He hoped all present would be able to contribute to a compelling action plan for Kent in light of the Henley Review.

Commissioned by the Department for Education, the Henley Review sets out a series of recommendations for a national plan outlining expectations for consistent delivery of music education for all children irrespective of where they live in England. It will be rolled out in the next few years.

Peter Bolton, Kent Music’s Chief Executive, highlighted ideas for the future and told delegates:

'Formation of the Music Education Hub for Kent is imperative. All ideas from those involved with the county’s music education are key to creating a forward-thinking strategy and ensuring we gain from the government’s recommendations.'

Discussion topics focussed on Early Learning through to Secondary school, out-of-school provision and Community Music. Delegates were also asked to give their views on music education for young people in challenging circumstances as well as provision for the gifted and talented and how a digital strategy can play a part in future plans.

While most of the day at East Malling Conference Centre was devoted to discussion groups, it also featured performances by some of the county’s young talented musicians.