Nick Howdle, Director of Programmes, Youth Music

Pretty good I think! This is where the future starts and this plan’s success will depend on the spirit in which we all engage with and breathe life and meaning into it. Henley spawned a period when people talked to each other less. I hope the plan reverses this.

I can see how our programme fits but am wary that Youth Music's money can't reach all those who need it.

So far, there have been two 'wow!' moments for me: Firstly, 'Pupils' needs might be assessed by...'  (P17, para 35) – in terms of its balanced consideration – but whilst the plan references consulting young people it doesn't appear in the 'Evidence expected' on P31.

Secondly, great to see reference to the real world of work in and around music. With ACE and links to Creative and Cultural Skills (CCS), we stand a much better chance of an integrated link to creative industries.

As well as a National Plan monitoring board, key players (funders, representative bodies etc.) need to interact better at a national level and we need better regional links evolving from the ‘audits’ and regular needs analysis.

Hurrah! Someone finally remitted with qualifications for creative practitioners – please talk to those who've explored it before!

Some progression elements are wobbly and susceptible to narrow interpretation. There will be thousands of pupils who are exceptionally talented and for whom music is way more than a 'worthwhile pastime' but won't attend a CAT, MDS school or NYMO! If the plan wants progression in a variety of styles, genres and directions, will CPD for teachers help identify this?

It's a tall order for a September start but the sooner we start the sooner we progress it – we’d better get cracking.

Nick Howdle is speaking at the musiclearninglive!2012 conference, 12 & 13 March 2012 at the Institute of Education in London.