British Music Rights today welcomed the Government’s announcement of funding for the Music Manifesto. The £332m investment campaign will provide UK primary schools with funds for choirs, orchestras, new instruments, performance and free music lessons.

The Music Manifesto is a national campaign to extend and improve opportunities for young people to make music and develop the skills to do so – bringing together a unique collaboration between the DCSF (formerly DfES) and DCMS with music organisations, musicians, teachers and composers, the music industry, broadcasting, teacher and musicians' unions, arts and education charities and Trusts.

Commenting on the announcement, Sara Conway from British Music Rights said: "This is a great step forward, not only for music-making in the UK, but also as a strong endorsement of the power of music to transform lives. British Music Rights is proud to have been closely involved with the Music Manifesto from its inception.

As the voice for composers, songwriters and music publishers, we look forward to continuing our work with manifesto partners on the development of creative enterprise initiatives to promote as engaging and relevant an offer in music education as possible."

British Music Rights has long been a strong supporter and instigator of music and copyright education in the UK – from its ‘Respect The Value of Music’ lesson plans, launched in secondary schools in November 2004, to involvement in the ‘Young Enterprise QuickStart Music Programme’ which provides 14-19 year olds with the resources to set up and run their own music companies within schools. 

Launching the initiative today with Andrew and Julian Lloyd Webber and the singer Jamelia, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Ed Balls said:

"Every child from all backgrounds should have the chance to perform, play an instrument or sing and I want every school to become a musical school.

"I'm delighted that people like Andrew Lloyd Webber, who have put English music on the map, are supporting the Music Manifesto. Everyone should get behind our efforts to make music a key part of the school day - for the educational and personal benefits for children and the cultural enrichment and enjoyment it brings people of all ages.

"Every parent knows how much it means to their child to be involved in a school performance and the pride and inspiration it offers the whole family."