New research has claimed that A-level music education in schools could completely disappear in just over a decade.
According to researchers at Birmingham City University & NME, Falling access to the music qualifications has been accelerated by cuts to local and central government funding.
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Dr Whittaker said: “We know from trends in A-level uptake over the last few years that the number of pupils taking A-level music has fallen to a very concerning level.
“We are now in a position where there are parts of the country with very limited access to A-level music or, in some cases, no access at all.
“Children can’t choose a qualification that isn’t offered to them. What is the child who wants to take A-level music to do if the nearest school offering it is 30 miles away? We need A-level music, and other specialist subjects, to be offered in a range of schools right across a local authority area.
“This is important as A-level music can support young musicians to pursue music in higher education and their future careers, including as the next generation of music educators.”
In their research, which is available here, Dr Whittaker and Professor Fautley claim that “Those who lack the means to support private instrumental study are unlikely to have sufficient income to pay for independent school fees, even if a bursary supports them to a greater or lesser extent…the current rates of decline in entries in recent years shows A-level music is likely to have zero entries by 2033 if the current rate of decline continues in a linear manner.”
In the report, it was also revealed that independent schools account for a disproportionately high number of A-level music entries when compared to national entry statistics – potentially causing a gulf in talent.
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A-level Music Education In Schools Could Be ‘Disappear’ Over A Decade
