A-Level music education is at risk due to lack of access and funding

A-Level music education could be absent from state schools by 2033, according to a report from Birmingham City University.

Findings reveal that the number of entries to A-Level music in state schools is on the decline. In 2019/2020 the number of students in the Midlands who'd opted for the subject had dropped to 1%. A worrying figure if the current rate of decline continues, there would likely be zero entries to the course in just over a decade.

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Researchers Dr Adam Whittaker and Professor Martin Fautley believe cuts to government funding is a major factor, limiting access to courses and to music teachers within a state school setting.

Independent schools account for a disproportionately high number of A-level music entries when compared to national entry statistics, prompting wider questions of access within music and creative fields.

In response to the findings, academics and industry figures have expressed fear for the futures of aspiring musicians from state schools and low-income backgrounds. Accordingly, they have called for intervention, via policy changes and funding measures.

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Of the results, Dr Whittaker said: “We know from trends in A-level uptake over the last few years that the number of pupils taking A-level music has fallen to a very concerning level.

“We are now in a position where there are parts of the country with very limited access to A-level music or, in some cases, no access at all.

“Children can’t choose a qualification that isn’t offered to them. What is the child who wants to take A-level music to do if the nearest school offering it is 30 miles away? We need A-level music, and other specialist subjects, to be offered in a range of schools right across a local authority area.

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“This is important as A-level music can support young musicians to pursue music in higher education and their future careers, including as the next generation of music educators.”

The findings have been drawn from data for music education in the Midlands from a 2021 Education Policy Institute report on disadvantage attainment gaps in education.

Safi Bugel is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter