As she unveils her school?s new music facilities, Benenden headmistress Samantha Price discusses the subject?s importance in schools.

Music truly has the power to bring people together. Whether this is through learning an instrument, enjoying a wonderful live performance or simply having an animated conversation about a preferred genre or artist, music is an integral element in a successful educational environment. Its power to unite should not be underestimated.

Common thread
Within a school, music creates a community of its own. It?s something that everyone can enjoy, and a shared love of music enables pupils to connect with each other, often sparking a friendship in the process.

However, all too often music can be disregarded as simply ?another co-curricular activity? or, even worse, an expensive luxury. Sadly, this was demonstrated last year by the government halving higher education funding for some arts subjects. In this period of financial challenge, there?s widespread concern that music departments in the state sector may bear the brunt of cutbacks. As an independent school, it?s our intention to share our new facilities with The John Wallis Church of England Academy, which we sponsor, and other partner schools, so that the buildings will be a music hub for young people in our area.

Artistic learning

Critics of investment in music often cite the relatively small number of students who choose the subject at GCSE or A-level. Surely this is missing the point. Fo...