The view from ACE

Since I joined Arts Council England 15 years ago, music education in England has seen significant changes. Some of that change is hugely positive, such as the new National Plan for Music Education's focus on inclusive music-making. But we have also faced undeniable challenges, not least from the pandemic that transformed how we all live to continually stretched budgets.

What has not changed – and I believe never will – is the passion children and young people have for music and the immense value that music brings to them, and to all of the country. Beyond the £6.6bn music tourism contributes to our economy, every day teachers see the joy and skills brought by singing and learning an instrument, from increased confidence to greater collaboration skills and improved mental health. The National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain – one of our National Youth Music Organisations – is a great example of how organisations can nurture those benefits, with their free NYO Inspire programme all about unlocking potential and developing leadership skills in young people who face barriers to accessing music education. These qualities will help young people thrive throughout their entire life.