Big Meet: Securing Music Education in Wales

Why Music Education in Wales Matters

Music is central to Wales’s cultural heritage, from Eisteddfodau at local and national levels to embracing our diverse, multicultural communities. The benefits of music education extend well beyond tradition – it improves well-being, develops essential life skills, and enhances academic achievement. To fully access these advantages, we need more than classroom teaching. A thriving music education ecosystem depends on a skilled and diverse workforce of music leaders and tutors, live music experiences, accessible instruments, and supportive performance spaces.

Successive Welsh governments have recognised the value of music by making it central to every school’s curriculum. Music is much more than a subject – it inspires creativity, supports student health and wellbeing, develops cognitive skills, and helps young people succeed across the curriculum. Research consistently demonstrates these lifelong benefits and underlines the need for sustained investment.

Why Now Is the Time to Act

The Welsh Government provides additional funding – like other UK nations – beyond what schools receive, supporting instrumental and vocal tuition, music creation, and performance. With an election approaching, the future of this support becomes uncertain. Continued investment is crucial to ensure every child and young person has fair access, regardless of background.

In preparation for the election, we are preparing a focused set of priorities for the next Senedd. Our aim is to directly influence the new Welsh Government’s agenda so that music education remains a top priority. To ensure our message reflects the sector’s needs, we need your input.

Music Mark’s CEO, Bridget Whyte, stated –

‘Music Mark is proud to support the Welsh Music Service network and many other organisations and individuals working across the country, and we are keen to advocate for the great work being done to ensure all children and young people have access to musical learning. However, to promote the voices of our membership and partners we need to have your views.’

How You Can Get Involved

If you are an educator, leader, or advocate who is a Music Mark Member, you are invited to join our upcoming Big Meet on 3rd February 2026 (11am – 12.30pm).

This session is your opportunity to review and comment on a draft statement outlining a shared vision for music education in Wales. Your feedback will help us advocate for the investment and support our sector’s needs in the years ahead.

If you can’t attend but would still like to contribute, complete our online form, and we’ll send you the draft statement for your feedback.