Star Isata: We can't let music slip in schools

THE Government’s pledge to make music an integral part of education in schools again must be backed up by action, insists one of the country’s biggest classical music stars.

- Julia Kuttner

Pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason, who performed at the First Night of the Proms in July, revealed she had witnessed first-hand how musical education can be downgraded in schools.

She said: “There are lots of pledges going on at the moment – about how music is going to be in schools more.

“But it just feels like words being thrown around.

“Ultimately we need to see money going into schools.

“At my old secondary school music teachers are being made to teach English, and to teach music only three days a week.

“So these words need to be followed by actions before I feel hopeful.”

Isata, 28, is the eldest of seven musical siblings, including cellist brother Sheku who played at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

She currently goes into schools and gives masterclasses to pupils, alongside a busy professional schedule.