Music Education: State Schools

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Excerpts

Tuesday 24th June 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Lab)]

My Lords, I want to congratulate my noble friend Lady Keeley on obtaining this debate, and of course I congratulate my noble friend Lady Debbonaire on her passionate maiden speech.

There is no doubt from all the speeches tonight: we have heard of the importance of music in the curriculum as a tool to develop our children and the need for children to have equal and fair access to such a music education to develop their talents and skills. To give a perspective from Northern Ireland, there are inequalities in access to and in the provision of music education: rural versus urban, more affluent areas against economically disadvantaged areas, and of course in the Northern Ireland context, segregation and sectarianism also play a part. Those inequalities in access to music provision in schools have led to students not being able to develop their talents in music and the dramatic arts, while those who have had the access have excelled on the global stage.

However, what is most important is the role of music education in the state sector for those with special needs and the role with the voluntary sector in ensuring inclusion, development of voice, and dexterity with musical instruments. Therefore, I ask my noble friend the Minister whether she will ensure that best practice in music education throughout the UK is shared, and that the role of the voluntary sector along with education providers is celebrated as they provide music and drama arts against funding and staff challenges to ensure the further development of all children within the state sector.