Royal College of Music supports new music curriculum to nurture next generation of musicians

Friday 26 March 2021

The Royal College of Music has released a joint statement with the other Royal Schools in support of the Department for Education’s new Model Music Curriculum. The curriculum covers the teaching and learning of music for pupils between 5 and 14 years old and aims to create more opportunities for young people to engage in musical journeys with the support of their teachers.

The statement by the Royal Schools of Music welcomes the new curriculum:

‘The future diversity and richness of the UK’s musical talent depends on the ability of all of us within the education system to inspire and nurture new generations of young musicians. Publication today of the Department for Education’s new Model Music Curriculum is a vital step forward in creating these conditions and promoting the opportunities that young people need at the start of their musical journeys – and the support that their teachers will require to deliver this.’

The new Model Music Curriculum gives music the same quality of curriculum as other subjects and addresses the reduction in the teaching of music in many of the nation’s schools. Generalist primary school teachers will be supported in building confidence to teach music, with all primary school children receiving a minimum of one hour of music each week. The curriculum encourages learning through singing, listening, composing and performance, supported by a rich and diverse repertoire from around the world.

The new curriculum also aims to better manage the transition to secondary education. It outlines ambitions for the specialist teaching of music in early secondary years to provide students with a solid foundation for progressing to GCSE and A Level music, including a weekly period of music for all students in the first three years of secondary education.

Along with their partner Royal Schools, the Royal College of Music wholeheartedly welcomes the new curriculum and the role it will play in securing pathways along which musicians from all backgrounds can progress.

The Royal College of Music was named the top institution for performing arts in the UK for the sixth year running in the QS World University Rankings 2021 and top in Europe for the second consecutive year.

To find out more, visit the gov.uk website for the Department for Education press release and to view the Model Music Curriculum.