Government shake up music education

Education Secretary Michael Gove has put forward a series of measures to encourage more young people in the UK to learn instruments and engage with music to a greater extent.

Referring to the frequently elitist nature of music education, Gove said: "All young people should have the chance to learn an instrument, read music and receive top quality music education".

As the first part of this strategy, an independent review led by Classic FM Managing Director Darren Henley is aiming to indicate how the Government can plug existing gaps in music education and training.

The emphasis will be on stamping out elitism and seeking to create more music related opportunities for students both within the school environment and as part of extra curricular activity. The review is expected to publish its initial findings before the end of this year.