How schools can instil a lifelong love of music

SIR – Jane Shilling’s article (Comment, January 16) on the value of introducing young people to classical music was spot on.

I, too, was at a state grammar school. We had an inspired headmistress, together with a keen music teacher.

Every morning in assembly we were played a piece of classical music, the title of which was written on a huge blackboard on the platform in front of us. In this way I became acquainted with so much wonderful music. I remember particularly Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik.

Additionally, as a reward for good work we were taken to the Albert Hall for a Saturday morning concert. It was there that I first heard and fell in love with Beethoven’s fifth piano concerto. Sheila Zuydam-toff

Birkenhead, Wirral

SIR – In the two years leading up to choosing my O-levels back in the 1970s, my music lessons at a state school consisted of sitting quietly for 50 minutes listening to Radio 2 while the teacher read his newspaper.

Fortunately, I had private piano lessons paid for by my parents, for which I remain eternally grateful.

I still play now, more than 40 years later.

Mary Moore

London E2