Advocacy
Music Mark is always busy behind the scenes, advocating on your behalf. Use our timeline to explore what we’ve been up to recently, what we’re currently focusing on and where we’ve been successful.
Etio Confirmed as National Centre for Arts and Music Education Delivery Partner
In a statement responding to the announcement of Etio as the National Centre for Arts and Music Education Delivery Partner, Music Mark confirmed its committment to developing its role with Etio as a trusted partner, advocate, and critical friend, ensuring the voices of members and the wider sector help shape this important next chapter.
Higher Education Funding Cuts
On 10th July 2026, Music Mark and the Royal Musical Association wrote to the Secretary of State for Education to insist that the proposed cut to Price Group C1.2 funding for higher education music provision should be reversed. The Minister for Skills responded to our letter acknowledging the important contribution of higher education to the creative industries and arts education. However the Minister confirmed that the Government will not revisit the 2026-27 funding settlement.
How to Encourage Sustainability Through Music Teaching
As part of our ‘This Is Not A Rehearsal’ campaign, we shared case studies from Oxfordshire County Music Service, Southampton and Isle of Wight Music Hub and Portsmouth Music Service demonstrating some of the different approaches music organisations can take to embed sustainability into their work.
A Letter to the Secretary of State for Education
In a joint letter to the Secretary of State for Education, Music Mark and the Royal Musical Association called on the government to reverse the proposed cut to Price Group C1.2 funding and reaffirm its commitment to supporting a sector that makes a vital contribution to the United Kingdom’s economy, global reputation, health and wellbeing.
A Letter to the Secretary of State for Education
Music Mark, the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM), and the Music Teachers’ Association (MTA) wrote jointly to the Secretary of State for Education, urging the government to reverse its decision to reduce its target for secondary music teacher trainees and withdrawn the £10,000 music initial teacher training bursary for 2026/27.
Managing Standstill Grants: An Unsustainable Expectation
We published a blog written by Gary Griffiths, Music Mark’s Music Hub support consultant, explaining the impact of standstill funding in England.
A Response to the Institute of Fiscal Studies Report
We responded to a report from the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) about the financial value of higher education qualifications and provided a more balanced perspective on career choices, particularly where music is concerned.
Music Hubs Funding Cuts: Music Mark Responds
Our letter to the Secretary of State outlines our concerns and asks for an urgent review of funding levels and immediate confirmation of funding beyond August 2027 in line with the timeframe published as part of the Music Hub investment process.
Speaking Up for Music Education at the All-Party Parliamentary Group
Music Mark CEO, Bridget Whyte, was invited by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Music Education secretariat, the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM), to speak at the APPG meeting on 8th June and provide an update on the music hub network.
SEND Consultation: Young Peoples’ Views
To ensure that our response to the SEND Consultation represented the views of young people, we gathered responses from 11 young disabled musicians from Drake Music’s Future Leaders programme and the National Open Youth Orchestra. Their thoughts are insightful and valuable in helping us ensure ‘every child is achieving and thriving’ in music education. We provided a summary of the insights gained from the young people.
Championing University Music Toolkit
Over the past decade, UK university music departments have faced significant challenges, reflecting wider pressures across the arts and humanities. To help address these challenges, Music Mark and the Musicians’ Union collaborated to produce a practical toolkit to support departments during periods of uncertainty.
Supporting Response to the Key Stage 4 Performance Measures Consultation
The government’s key stage 4 performance measures and targeted RISE extension consultation sought views on proposals to improve key stage 4 academic performance measures and to extend school improvement support from the Department for Education’s targeted regional improvement for standards and excellence (RISE) service. We put together a resource to provide help with completing the consultation.
