Deborah Annetts, Chair of MEC, said "By signing and promoting the "Bacc for the Future" campaign MEC joined tens of thousands of people and organisations in voicing concern over the marginalisation of the arts through the proposed introduction of the EBacc Certificates and the EBacc performance measure. MEC is therefore delighted to learn that the proposed new performance measure will add in three additional subjects alongside the five EBacc subjects - this should provide confirmation of the equal importance of arts subjects."

The Music Education Council also welcomes the inclusion of Music at Key Stage 1 - 3 in the proposed new National Curriculum and the retention of the entitlement of students to study an arts subject at Key Stage 4. MEC will examine the content of the proposed Programme of Study for Music and will respond to the consultation in due course.

Ivor Widdison, Chair of the Awards Panel and his colleagues on the Panel, Andrea Vicary, Trinity Laban College of Music & Drama, Dr Catherine Tackley, Open University and Music Education Consultant Bill Martin  paid tribute to the above Music Services and to those of Bolton, Glasgow, Lincolnshire and Southwark who in opening windows to the world of music reveal also the very special joys of jazz to their pupils and students.   

After the presentations a concert of the music of Kenny Wheeler was performed by the Royal Academy Big Band under the Direction of Nick Smart and featuring Henry Lowther on flugel horn. By common consent this was orchestral jazz of the highest order. It would be difficult to imagine better renditions than those delivered by the Academy Big Band.

Added to the original line up of presentations and discussion sessions the seminar promises to be a lively and informative day for everyone involved in, or interested in, the formation of the Music Hubs and all other elements of the National Plan. See the original news item, below, for details of the full programme.

There are only 11 places remaining, so please e-mail admin@mec.org.uk to enquire whether there is a place - they will be allocated on a strictly first come first served basis. If there is a place we will send you a booking form to complete and would ask that you make payment as quickly as possible either by bank transfer or by clicking through to the Making payments section on this website and paying by PayPal.

Joining now enables you to book one of the last remaining places at the November Seminar - Implementing the National Plan for Music Education - One Year On - at the members' discounted price, along with all three of the 2013 seminars once they are announced.

Use the contact page on this website to request membership details and the seminar booking form and we will respond within 24 hours.

Hear the Keynote Speech from Alan Davey, Chief Executive of the Arts Council England and ask questions about ACE's role in implementing the Plan.

Hear the Federation of Music Services' response and discuss hub issues and solutions with Nigel M Taylor, Chair of FMS.

Discuss progress on practice and quality with National Adviser for Music at Ofsted, Mark Phillips.

In the afternoon discuss partnership building to maximise a hub's effectiveness and fundraising to provide beyond the core opportunities for all children and young people.

Numbers are strictly limited so book quickly to secure a place.

Download the full programme here and the booking form and payment details here

There had been no doubt about the Government’s acceptance of the empirical research relating to the power of music. The National Plan for Music Education demonstrated the Government’s real commitment to music education and the new music education hubs, with protected funding, will make a significant impact on children’s learning. Commitment to music in primary schools has been demonstrated by the continuation of music as a foundation subject and the sector is being consulted about the next phase of the curriculum review; initial teacher training modules were trialled last summer; and the Qualified Music Educator qualification will be available next year.

In the realm of social intervention the expansion of the In Harmony programme demonstrates a commitment to the transformational impact of music.

Despite this, the initial announcement of a new EBac certificate that does not include the arts and the lack of information on what this means for those subjects, like music, that are not included, will compound the effects already being felt by the introduction of the current EBacc - which has already seen the numbers of music teachers reducing as students are encouraged to study the EBacc subjects in preference to others. These mixed messages can only further compromise the ability to deliver the curriculum entitlement for children and young people.

Deborah Annetts, Chief Executive of the ISM and Chair of MEC said:

Creativity, excellence, progression and breadth must be at the heart of music education and sometimes it seems as though these have been forgotten as part of a complete music education which again seems to have been forgotten in the formulation of wider education policy. The Government must listen to the sector and ensure that music education is not undermined by these mixed messages.

James Garnett, Chair of NAME and MEC Executive Committee Member, said:

The protected funding for music education hubs is clearly welcome but we must ensure as a sector that the Government recognises the need to approach music education as a whole. Providing strong curriculum and assessment opportunities within school is an essential component of the National Plan for Music Education alongside Hub provision. All of this matters.

The Incorporated Society of Musicians' press notice can be viewed here

The National Association of Music Educators press notice can be viewed here

And a key Guardian article can be viewed here

Music in schools: promoting good practice has been put together to help to promote dialogue between music teachers, headteachers, and music hub leaders to build their shared understanding about the key features of good teaching and learning by reflecting on the main messages from the music report.

Ofsted inspectors hope it will prove to be a useful resource. It's important to note that this is not an inspection tool; it is not intended for hubs or headteachers to use as a quasi-Ofsted inspection programme with schools or teachers. The text on page one explains this in more detail.

The document can be found on the Ofsted website by following this link:

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/subject-professional-development-materials-music-schools-promoting-good-practice

A short report on partnerships in music education, commissioned as part of the National Plan and including a number of good practice case studies, is on course to be published later this term. MEC will publish news of its publication.

The second speaker, Usifu Jalloh, a percussionist and dancer from West Africa, reflects the conference theme of Crossing Frontiers. 

Tony Haynes, the closing speaker, is co-founder of the pioneering cross-cultural Grand Union Orchestra.

“Each speaker has something unique to say about music education,” says NAME Chair James Garnett.  “All three will challenge, excite and entertain us.” He adds, “The NAME Conference offers a great opportunity to keep up to date with all that’s new in music education today.  It will inspire and inform you and is an excellent way to begin the new school year. Book now before it’s too late!”

The Conference takes place on Friday and Saturday 5th and 6th October at Yarnfield Park Training and Conference Centre, Stone, Staffordshire.  

Full details of Friday's programme can be found at http://www.name.org.uk/sites/default/files/Programme_Friday.pdf; 

Saturday’s is at http://www.name.org.uk/sites/default/files/Programme_Saturday.pdf

For full programme, costs and to book online go to http://www.name.org.uk/conferences/name-national-conference-2012  

Or call Helen Fraser on 01629 760791 for further information.

The NAME 2012 Conference is sponsored by A & C Black, English Folk Dance and Song Society, Louder than Life, Music Village, Rockschool, Roland, Trinity College London and Victoria College Examinations.

Policy makers and educators from around the world are visiting Singapore to see not only how the city state has become one of the most successful countries in international tables, but also why they are radically changing their systems to focus upon creativity, collaboration and critical thinking skills.

Conference delegates will hear from government representatives, leading Singaporean educators and almost all of the performance presentations will showcase Singaporean music education and performance.

Registration for the conference is now open (www.musiclearninglive.asia) and you can register your interest in presenting or performing at the event (www.musiclearninglive.asia/call).