Objectives of Music Manifesto

People all over the world recognize the power that music has over human emotions. Music can inspire, motivate, excite, comfort, soothe and enrich both listeners and musicians. Based in London, the Music Manifesto was formed by a group of like-minded individuals who have a passion for music and want to introduce its incredible power to as many young people as possible.

The Music Manifesto has five key objectives which they strive to achieve. Firstly, they aim to provide every young person with the opportunity to enjoy a range of music experiences. Building on the fact that most children are exposed to music in their homes from a young age, through radio, CDs and television, the Music Manifesto believes that every primary school child should be allowed the opportunity of receiving sustained and progressive tuition in the musical instrument of their choice, either free of charge or at reduced, affordable rates. Additionally, children, including those with special needs, should have access to live music experiences which will strengthen their foundation in general musicianship. To this end, the Music Manifesto is committed to equipping teachers, support staff, artists and other interested adults to work effectively as music leaders in schools, as well as in community and youth settings.

The second key objective of the Music Manifesto is to provide opportunities for young people to cultivate their musical interest and skills. Through a series of pro-active steps the Music Manifesto will ensure that the right pathways for progression are in place. Taking into account that each young person is an individual with different abilities and personalities, these progressive pathways need to be multiple and flexible. This may include joining a choir or ensemble, attending live music performances, as well as taking up music qualifications with a view to pursuing a career in teaching, composition, performance or music production.

The Music Manifesto’s third key objective is to identify and nurture young musicians of exceptional talent. The UK’s most talented young musicians will be given all the tuition and support they need in order to fulfill their potential in preparation for a career in music. The fourth key objective will work towards developing a world class workforce in music education by, among other things, encouraging different agencies and individuals to work more closely together and learn from each other. Future plans include developing the methods that music teachers employ and enhancing the role of paraprofessional support staff in schools, with a view to creating a music education system where young people are supported and encouraged to consider a career in music. Musicians and composers will be made aware of the range of opportunities available to work as teachers and tutors in formal and informal teaching settings.

The fifth key objective of the Music Manifesto is to improve the support systems for young people who make music. Many young people take private instrumental and vocal lessons outside their school environment. Some may be making music in youth community settings or “garage bands”. Others are writing and playing music in their own bedrooms or on their PCs. As part of their fifth key objective, the Music Manifesto aims to discover what type of music young people are making and what sort of support structures they need to develop their talent and share it with others. Building on this knowledge, support structures that are broad and flexible enough to cater for all tastes and ambitions will be put in place.

There is no doubt that music is an integral part of everyday life all over the world. With the help of the Music Manifesto, young people in the United Kingdom will be encouraged to nurture their creative spirit and share their talent with the world.