UK music charity responds to ISM’s report on music education in schools

 

4:45, 7th December 2020

Awards for Young Musicians (AYM) has responded to the ISM’s recent report on the devastating impact of Covid-19 on music education in UK schools. 

The UK charity supports young musicians from low-income families to help them overcome financial and social barriers in their musical education. Following the outbreak of the pandemic, AYM received a record number of applicants for support. 

Responding to the new ISM report, AYM chief executive Hester Cockroft said, ‘This report underlines what we know from working with our partners across the UK. Musical talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not, and Covid-19 has only exacerbated the obstacles young people from low-income families face. 

‘We’re continuing to adapt and increase our funding and other support for individuals to ensure they can continue to make music, which is vital at such a challenging time for music education.’ 

The steps AYM has taken and will continue to take include helping with broadband and data costs and borrowing laptops, meaning that young people can continue with instrumental lessons and musical learning at home. 

The charity is also bringing students and teachers together online for an ongoing series of webinars and workshops and is supporting teachers through regular online forums.