Campaign demanding better access to music making launched by Music For All

UK charity Music For All has launched a new three-year campaign calling for improvements in accessibility to music making. 

The Music Makers’ Charter initiative hopes to raise recognition of music making’s benefits on health, wellbeing and society, and is calling for more investment in opportunities and support for disadvantaged communities who seek access to making music.

Over the next 12 months, Music For All aims to provide up to 1,000 free music lessons during the Learn to Play events across the UK, donate over 200 instruments to disadvantaged communities, provide access to research and resources to educators and healthcare professionals, award over  £155K in music making cash grants to marginalised communities as well as give £56K in cash grants to educational establishments who provide music making education to their students.

“The cost-of-living crisis, an overstretched healthcare system and under-valued music education services are all significant contributing factors,” Music For All explained in a press release. “Now is the time to get vocal and unify support for funding music making.”

Sonali Banerjee, General Manager of Music All added: “We believe that music making is fast becoming elitist. Sadly only those who can afford to make music out of the classroom can have access to music lessons in the UK. The positive impact of using music to support and enhance mental and physical health throughout people’s lives has long been documented in numerous academic and social research, however there is a serious lack of acknowledgement with policy makers to make music making accessible for everyone.”

Among the list of early supporters are Little Simz drummer and musical director Emanuel J Burton, BBC broadcaster Chi-chi Nwanoku, jazz singer Jamie Cullum and others.

“Music is a universal language that unites us all, transcending age, background and ability,” Burton said. “Everyone deserves the right to access, create and express themselves through music. I believe that music has the power to enhance education, health and well-being, and these benefits should be more widely recognized and utilised.”

A recent study by UK Music and Music for Dementia called Power of Music noted that music therapy can reduce agitation and the need for medication in 67% of people with dementia which can ease stress both in physiological and psychological outcomes. 

Support the Music Makers’ Charter through Change.org and learn more about the campaign on the official website.