Cardiff and Vale Music Education has welcomed the Welsh Government’s renewed commitment to music education, following the announcement of continued funding for the National Music Service over the next three years.
As the lead delivery organisation for the National Plan for Music Education (NPME) in the region, Cardiff and Vale Music Education has used the funding to rebuild and expand its services following the challenges of the pandemic. The support has helped strengthen partnerships with schools, foster new collaborations, and significantly increase the number of children and young people engaging with music.
Since the launch of the First Experiences programme in January 2022, over 18,500 children across 150 primary schools and settings have taken part in a broad range of musical activities. Targeted projects have introduced learners to less traditionally accessed instruments and genres, including GarageBand digital composition, strings, harps, woodwind, and trombones.
Other highlights of the programme’s delivery include:
- Professional learning opportunities for school teachers
- Live music experiences reaching over 17,000 pupils
- Inclusive projects supporting learners with additional learning needs
- The ‘Little Gigs’ initiative developed in partnership with Cardiff Council’s Music Strategy and Curriculum Team
Councillor Sarah Merry, Cardiff’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This continued investment in music education is a powerful endorsement of the transformative role music plays in young people’s lives. It allows us to build on our successes, broaden access, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to discover their musical voice.”
