British Music Rights, the organisation which represents the interests of composers, songwriters and music publishers, gathered today with leading representatives of the music business and educationalists to mark the launch of an education campaign, "Respect the Value of Music". The aim of the campaign is to help young people protect their musical works and respect the value of other people's and is supported by music creators including Feargal Sharkey, Guy Chambers, Lucie Silvas and David Arnold.

Award-winning songwriter Guy Chambers; Grammy award-winning composer David Arnold; and Richard Manners, Managing Director of Warner Chapel Music Publishing took part in a roundtable debate with, among others, music educationalist Leonora Davies MBE, Chair of the Music Education Council. They discussed the issue of whether enough was being done to educate young people about copyright as it relates to musicians and lyricists.

The event also saw the launch of the 'Respect the Value of Music' Schools programme, a series of lesson plans aimed at 11-14 year old music students. They draw on real-life scenarios to demonstrate that, behind many big-name artists and film scores, there are often writers who need to make a living. Students will be encouraged to explore the issue of copyright by thinking about the various ways in which they consume music and looking at what is involved in covering and sampling songs. To date, over 1,600 copies of the free lesson plans have been requested by secondary schools around the country.

Emma Pike, Director General of British Music Rights, commented at the launch: "Fundamental to the government's Music Manifesto's aim to "create more music for more people" is an appreciation of the role copyright plays in allowing creative people to make a living from their music. Above all, it is the creators of the future who need to know how copyright protects the music they write, play or record, so that they can make informed choices in their future careers. This is why British Music Rights has developed the 'Respect the Value of Music' education campaign which supports the study of music in schools by giving young people a vital understanding of how the music industry works. We hope that this new teaching resource will begin to create an understanding that will take many young people into their adult lives with an awareness of how copyright can work for them."

Guy Chambers, songwriter, musician and producer said: "I am very pleased to support the British Music Rights 'Respect the Value of Music' lessons. I think it is important that young people receive practical and engaging learning in schools - these lessons will give them an insight into how the creative industries work which will help them in possible future careers. Many of these students will come out of school and go on to be the musicians of the future - it's important that we give them the skills they need to continue making great music. It's vital that the Government and industry continue working together to give music the importance it deserves in our schools."

Feargal Sharkey, Singer-Songwriter and Chair of the Live Music Forum said: "When I was first starting out in the music business I took it upon myself to learn as much as I could about the business - I went to the library and read up about copyright and what my rights as a creator were. I talked to as many people as I could and I learned what I could about how the business worked. I think it is fantastic that students are being given this understanding whilst they are still in school and I support any initiative that helps to give young people an awareness of how they can harness their own ideas. I think the Government's Music Manifesto is an important step in the right direction and the British Music Rights 'Respect' campaign is a starting point to delivering that Manifesto in schools."

Speaking at the debate, David Arnold, composer commented: "The 'Respect the Value of Music' lesson plans will help to teach young people that creativity has a value.

As more young people obtain the vital skills they need to turn their ideas into reality, the more of their personal value and potential they will be able to realise. This can only be a major step forward in the investment of future talent."

Singer/songwriter Lucie Silvas, who is supporting the new initiative, added: "I am delighted to be supporting the 'Respect the Value of Music' initiative. I think it is so important that students gain an understanding of how the music industry works when they are at a young age. I wish I'd been given an opportunity like this when I was at school."

British Music Rights has signed up to the Government's Music Manifesto by pledging to deliver an awareness of copyright and an appreciation of the value for creativity in schools. "Respect the Value of Music" is part of a pan-European educational initiative run by The European Music Copyright Alliance (EMCA), which aims to give young people an understanding of copyright.

Marc Jaffrey, Music Manifesto Champion said: "British Music Rights is making a huge contribution to the Manifesto - and making good on one of the most substantive pledges since the launch in July. They are delivering significant value to the school curriculum and demonstrating the industry can and will take its responsibility seriously. I really look forward to working with British Music Rights as I take up the reins as Champion."

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For more information contact:
British Music Rights
T: 020 7306 4446
E: britishmusic@bmr.org

Notes

1. British Music Rights is an umbrella organisation that represents the interests of composers, songwriters and music publishers in the UK. It is also a member of The European Music Copyright Alliance (EMCA), a collection of organisations across Europe with an interest in copyright awareness.

2. Launched in July 2004, the Government's Music Manifesto sets out a route map for the future of music education in Britain. The Music Manifesto is a shared set of priorities for music education for the next three to five years which will act as a focus for joint activity by all interested parties. See www.musicmanifesto.co.uk

3. More information is available at www.emcaweb.net