Ed Balls and the DCSF must be congratulated for making this the National Year of Music. Particularly heartening is his comment that he wants two million children to be having the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument - I agree with him wholeheartedly. His comment is welcome because it also tells us that the government recognises that we have more to do. Let’s face it; music services up and down the country have made huge strides in widening access at Key Stage Two, but we know that the hardest part is still to come. We know we can deliver high quality opportunities for whole classes to learn instruments, but we also know that it is more difficult to continue the pathways beyond the first year. What Ed Balls signals is that the government will help up to do that. If government support can be sustained and strengthened, we can - with our partners - meet the national aspirations by 2011. Whilst thanking Ed Balls in advance, I will also urge him to help us deliver the government pledge by ensuring that we have ongoing government support.

I appreciate that some people have been a little perturbed because some musicians who are supporting the National Year of Music may use some dubious lyrics from time to time. Of course all our advocates must also be good role models. But personally I am absolutely delighted that talented musicians such as Jamie Cullum, are supporting us. However, what is more important is that everyone should support the Year, whatever their musical preference and whatever their background. Don’t let’s put ourselves into camps, but rather emphasise the transformational power of music, whether it comes from Slovenia or Slash. Let’s remind ourselves that we provide all kinds of musical opportunities for all kinds of people.

An associated report by Sue Hallam also comes at a good time. She reminds us that there is objective evidence that music enlarges the left side of the brain and helps to increase IQ. She also shows how working in music groups promotes trust and respect. That’s welcome news. But we also know that it is the intrinsic qualities of music that are our real strength - how music provides a mysterious form of expression that taps into our hearts and minds. Ed Balls knows that as well. So we must now unite with all those who value music in ensuring that music education is not only sustained beyond 2011, but strengthened. The National Year of Music is a major building block for the future - it’s a celebration of what we do now, but more importantly an endorsement of support for the future.

Let us know how your music service is supporting the National Year of Music - I hope that every single music service will share the celebration.

John Witchell