Joint statement from Youth Music and Arts Council England

We want to take this opportunity to update you on the progress of Arts Council England’s review of the National Foundation for Youth Music (Youth Music).

The review, led by Professor Derek Aviss OBE and Anna Jobson between March and July 2014, sought to evaluate the value, impact and efficiency of Youth Music’s operations and funding programme in a changed music education landscape.  

Derek and Anna spoke to 60 individuals from across the music education sector and beyond. The majority of those consulted recognised Youth Music’s national overview and specialist expertise and the fact that the action research undertaken by Youth Music supports innovation and forward thinking on pedagogy.

The review noted that since restructuring in 2011 Youth Music has focused on providing music-making opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people and ensuring its offer promotes musical inclusion and diversity. It also noted that there is some overlap between Youth Music, the Arts Council and music education hubs in the provision of music opportunities for the most disadvantaged children and young people.

We’re pleased to confirm that, as a result of the review, funding for Youth Music for 2016-18 will continue at current levels. Alignment between Arts Council’s work with children and young people, Youth Music and the National Plan for Music Education will be improved. Investment will focus on using Youth Music’s strengths to support music education hubs’ work with disadvantaged children.

We are grateful to both Derek and Anna for their expertise in leading this independent review so effectively. We would also like to thank everyone who provided Derek and Anna with a comprehensive range of evidence from which to draw their conclusions and make recommendations.   Click here to download the full report. Click here to download Youth Music's submission to the review.

Althea Efunshile, Deputy Chief Executive, Arts Council England Matt Griffiths, Executive Director, National Foundation for Youth Music