November 6th 2008 - Sound Rights, a new free-to-access website that allows KS3 teachers and their students to explore the power of music and understand more about the music business was launched today.

The resource has been developed by UK Music and renowned music teacher Leonora Davies MBE, enabling teachers to seamlessly incorporate KS3 curriculum changes into their lesson plans.

In September 2008, it became a KS3 music curriculum requirement “to include the role of music and musicians in society, the music industry and of artistic and intellectual property rights.”

Sound Rights brings these concepts to life – utilising a range of podcasts, videos, sound clips and case studies that encourage students to consider the role that music plays in their everyday lives and the power and potency of the song, while lifting the lid on potential music industry careers.

The resource also provides an engaging route into cross-curricular learning, using music as a medium to approach other subjects such as ITC, Media Literacy, Citizenship, History and Maths.

For UK Music CEO, Feargal Sharkey, Sound Rights offers a perfect introduction to understand how music “works”.

“Even if they cannot play an instrument, music is still central to the lives of most young people. Sound Rights opens up that world, allowing teachers and students to explore the true power of music in the widest possible context, as well as highlighting potential career opportunities. Quite frankly, I wish something similar had existed when I was at school.”

Sound Rights was piloted in the summer of 2008 by schools in Hampshire, Hertfordshire and Middlesex. Anna Gower, Head of Music, Monk’s Walk School, Herts, added: "Sound Rights is a simple and informative resource for teaching a new requirement within the KS3 music curriculum. The activities are
innovative and engaging, supporting cross-curriculum and independent learning."

The programme is also fully supported by both the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Culture, Media & Sport.

Commented Ed Balls, Secretary Of State for Children, Schools and Families: "I am always struck when I visit schools how most children and young people enjoy music. Learning about music in schools has tremendous value for children, both as a subject in its own right and as a means of motivating students to make the most of their talents. That is why we are investing an unprecedented £332million in school music to 2011.

Sound Rights provides a fantastic platform to help young people learn and participate in music making. This resource will help to deliver new KS3 requirements for music and link across the
curriculum to Citizenship, ICT, Enterprise, History and Maths in a way that feels accessible, relevant and fun.”

Added Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport: “Learning about and enjoying music is one of the most exciting things about being young, which is why I want every child in the country to take part in five hours of culture a week. But it's helpful for young people to learn that there's a whole industry behind the music that we hear, and that it's crucially important to protect the intellectual property of creators if that industry is to continue to produce the music we all love.

“As well as helping to shape our culture, the creative industries make a huge contribution to the UK economy and provide a wide range of career opportunities. It's particularly important to teach this at a time when consumer choices and behaviour can have such a big impact on these industries' futures.”

For more information go to www.soundrights.org.uk

ENDS