Improving access and funding to music lessons. In action today on the floor of the House getting a question aired from a constituent. Everyone knows that giving children access to learning to play a musical instrument can give them tremendous social and academic benefits. So today I asked the Secretary of State about the provision of music within state schools. The BPI report says the provision has decreased dramatically in recent years – estimating that 30% of state schools have seen a decrease in curriculum time for music or a reduction in the number of qualified music teachers. I wanted to ensure the government has this at the forefront of their minds. The written answer I received says…. “The Government remains committed to continued support for music education. The Government published the National Plan for Music Education in June 2022 which sets out the vision for ‘all children and young people to learn to sing, play an instrument and create music together, and have the opportunity to progress their musical interests and talents, including professionally’. At the heart of the new plan is the Model Music Curriculum published in March 2021, which sets out how schools can deliver an excellent music education.”