Musicians' Union demands clearer guidance on music tuition restrictions
Monday, November 23, 2020
The Musicians’ Union (MU) has written to the government to request clearer guidance for instrumental and vocal learning during the next period of restrictions in England.
Addressed to Michael Gove, Minister for the Cabinet Office, Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education and Nick Gibb, Schools Minister, the letter lists the ways in which out-of-school or private music teaching supports core or formal learning.
It also recommends that musical learning should be recognised as part of formal education, and that some activities must be allowed to take place in person.
Horace Trubridge, MU General Secretary, said: 'Our members have done their level best to keep out-of-school music teaching going under the current restrictions. But the government's guidance has overlooked the important contribution that private teachers and music schools make to formal education provision, instead classifying them as extra-curricular and therefore inessential.
'We are asking the government to provide clearer guidance for the new tiered restrictions that start after 2 December, so that all children and young people can access the music teaching they need in appropriate and Covid-secure ways.'
Chris Walters, MU Education Official, said: 'The MU represents approximately 32,000 members, many of whom teach music privately as well as in schools and other settings. We are therefore in a strong position to report on the effects of the current guidance and to offer practical recommendations for future guidance. We recognise that the current guidance is intended to reduce the transmission of Covid-19, and we support this aim. Since the pandemic began, many of our members have successfully moved their teaching online to help reduce Covid transmission. But teaching that supports formal education and assessment must be allowed to take place in person if there is no viable alternative.'