Ivors Academy survey explores music education of acclaimed composers
Harriet Richards
Monday, November 14, 2022
‘We need to bring music back into every school and community,’ says Ivors Academy chief executive Graham Davies.
A music education survey sent to acclaimed composers has found that 64 per cent of respondents attended a state school and 83 per cent studied A Level Music.
To mark the 20th anniversary of The Ivors Composers Award - this year taking place on 15 November at the British Museum - The Ivors Academy sent a survey to past nominees and winners.
More than 300 classical, jazz and sound art composers responded, revealing that 96 per cent learned one or more instruments as a child, and 94 per cent had opportunities to perform music when young.
While most respondents attended state school, 21 per cent received bursaries to go to an independent school.
Today, around 93 per cent of the UK population attends a state school, suggesting that the number of surveyed composers who attended an independent school is disproportionately high when compared to the general population.
Chief executive of The Ivors Academy Graham Davies said, ‘Composers are voicing concerns about the impact of changes to funding and the long-term decline of music education in state schools.
‘We need to bring music back into every school and community, and ensure stable, long-term funding for the UK’s enviable cultural institutions and venues.’
The survey also asked the composers questions about funding sources, commissions, and any work they do alongside composing.
One third of the 319 respondents said that it had become harder to start a career as a composer, but 75 per cent said they would still become a composer if they were starting out today.
Ivor Novello Award winning composer Charlotte Harding said, ‘As we celebrate 20 years of achievements by composers in the UK, this survey is a reminder that composers benefit hugely from sustained support throughout their careers.
‘Alongside a healthy cultural sector, opportunities to learn, play and discover a love of music at school and in local areas can lead to a lifetime of creative expression, and should be encouraged, enhanced and protected.’
Winners of The Ivors Composer Awards, which were formerly known as The British Composer Awards, receive an Ivor Novello Award.
Winners over the last 20 years include Sir Harrison Birtwistle, Tansy Davies, Sir John Tavener, Yazz Ahmed, Jonny Greenwood, Sally Beamish, Anna Meredith, Errollyn Wallen, and Roderick Williams.
