Posted on Saturday 9th Mar 2019
State schools in England have seen a 21% decrease in music provision over the last five years, research suggests.
At the same time, access to music in independent schools has risen by 7%, according to figures from the BPI.
The gap widens amongst poorer pupils, with just one in four schools in deprived areas offering music lessons.
"You can't imagine how distressing that is to hear," said Chi-chi Nwanoku, founder of Chineke, the UK's first majority-BAME orchestra.
"But it's not news to me - because I know that music and the art subjects are being systematically stripped out of all of our schools - and that always hits the kids who go to the free schools."
Latest News
22/10/19Does homework help primary school children or is it unnecessary stress?
Does homework have any purpose for primary school children? We talked to the experts to find out
21/10/19Primary schools give free food to hungry families
The biggest primary school academy trust in England is to give food to parents to prevent "family hunger".
18/10/19Pupils with behavioural issues failing to meet exam benchmark
Just 1.5% with behaviour issues got grade 4s or higher in the subjects, according to data
16/10/19Physical exercise during academic lessons can help boost test scores, study suggests
'Active classes help children learn more effectively,' researchers say
15/10/19Career ambitions 'already limited by age of seven'
By the age of seven, children are already facing limits on their future aspirations in work, according to a report from the OECD international economics think tank.