What does music mean to you? For many, it is an emotional release, a way to connect with others or an act of creative expression. Stuart Whatmore, Head of the Triborough Music Hub in London, believes music improves our lives and that we all need more of it. We discuss how music education has changed over time, including how the internet has opened opportunities for young people to create and consume music in new ways, but also how we should be concerned about the quiet struggle of traditional music education in schools. Will anyone be playing musical instruments in another generation, and does that matter? Stuart also gives his advice to parents who want to support their children to love music – and it’s much easier to do than you would think!

This episode was recorded in February 2021.

More info and further reading ...

Find out more about Stuart’s work - www.triboroughmusichub.org

DfE National Curriculum for Music Education - www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-music-programmes-of-study/national-curriculum-in-england-music-programmes-of-study 

DfE National Plan for Music Education (published Mar 2021) - www.gov.uk/government/pubilcations/the-importance-of-music-a-national-plan-for-music-education 

DfE Music Education: report on the call for evidence - www.gov.uk/government/consultations/music-education-call-for-evidence

Music Mark 'Equity, Diversity, Inclusion report' in Music Education (published April 2021) - www.musicmark.org.uk/resources/music-mark-edi-report-april-2021/

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Artwork by @HouseofKatavia

Editing and audio post-production by Nic Bueth @ www.sound-designer.co.uk