Gareth says make music free for kids

GARETH MALONE has called on the Government to make music free to study in schools, insisting the benefits go far deeper than simply learning to play an instrument.

“Music is the single best thing you can do for your child if you want them to have a good education and a good life chance. It is so good for their attitude to learning and ability to take instruction,” the 42-yearold exclusively tells Day & Night. “Music should be taught free for everyone. I wish politicians all valued music more.”

The Londoner, who came to prominence through 2007 show The Choir which involved him going into often underprivileged schools and teaching students with no previous choral experience to sing, adds: “Anyone who works in education, a lot of head teachers, they really see the value, not just in the music room. It helps with engagement, confidence and all sorts of other skills.”

And Gareth, who kicks off his solo spring tour on May 27, suggests we could learn something from Venezuela which already has a scheme in place for poorer youngsters to play instruments for free. “They do this thing where they give out instruments in the rough parts of town. They give them a trombone and have had an incredible response.” He insists he is simply echoing the sentiments of the country’s greatest musical impresario. “Lord Lloyd-Webber is always banging that drum and I think we need more of it. There’s no question in my mind we need more music in schools.”