NPME response: The keys to success are time, money, great musicianship, and great people

The National Plan for Music Education (NPME) is split into three parts which appear to work cohesively in pursuing the vision of ‘enabl[ing] all children and young people to learn to sing, play an instrument and create music together and…progress’. Part one pertains mostly to schools and the provision of high-quality music education for all; part two focuses on music education hubs and collaboration; and part three – which really piqued my interest – is all about joining the dots, ensuring that young people are supported in their musical development.

The NPME acknowledges that informal and non-formal music-making contribute to musical development. As this is relevant for many of my own students and the young people we work with, this possibly excites me the most. The Plan raises awareness of the value of music-making beyond school, highlighting the need for increased connectivity between schools, hubs and music teachers, industry, music in the community, and the evolving role of music technology.