Written question asked by Ashok Kumar (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 8 May 2003. It was answered by David Miliband (Labour) on Thursday, 8 May 2003 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what steps are being taken to assist talented musicians from state schools to achieve excellence as musicians. - Inc figure.

Answer: Dr. Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps are being taken to assist talented musicians from state schools to achieve excellence as musicians. [111685] Mr. Miliband: My Department is strongly committed to music education and we have a number of projects under way to identify and nurture talented young musicians. The Music Standards Fund offers just under £60 million per year for musical activities delivered through LEA Music Services, including instrumental tuition and programmes for the gifted and talented. The Music and Dance Scheme has allocated just under £65 million to gifted and talented young musicians since 1997 through its Aided Pupil Scheme; and we are supporting the work of the National Youth Music Organisations to enable them to increase access and opportunities for young musicians throughout the country. The gifted and talented education programme includes support for talented young musicians, for example, through the gifted and talented strand of Excellence in Cities and the national summer school programme for 10 to14 year-olds.

Secondary information