10. Short Debate: Creating a musical Wales for the 21st century: Access, well-being and opportunity

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:44 pm on 1 December 2021.

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Photo of Delyth Jewell Delyth Jewell Plaid Cymru 6:44, 1 December 2021

Diolch, Rhianon, I'm so delighted that you mentioned the talented Watkins brothers; their parents are very dear family friends. Music can change people's lives. We're even getting this from this short debate. Sadly, A-level music is too infrequently now being offered in schools, but young people need to be made aware of the exciting career prospects that exist for talented instrumentalists, singers and teachers. Now, I'm biased because my mother was a peripatetic violin teacher for all of her working life, so I'm drawing on some of those experiences in what I'm saying. For music to flourish in schools, peripatetic instrumental services need to be given more credibility. I welcome the fact there's going to be a national music service, instead of it being treated as an optional extra. Music teachers should be given proper resources, places to teach that are suitable instead of leaky side rooms, because music, after all, is always at the forefront in school assemblies, eisteddfodau, Christmas concerts, and these provide enjoyment for pupils, for parents, for the whole community. Too often, music is regarded as of lesser importance as a subject, and I couldn't disagree with that idea more. As someone who has been privileged to have piano and signing lessons, it saddens me to think that that is a privilege; it should be available to all, and I commend what Rhianon is doing.