Cuts to creative subjects will limit music to the ‘privileged few’, Laura Mvula warns
British soul singer and former music supply teacher Laura Mvula has spoken out against cuts to creative subjects in schools, warning that it is limiting opportunities for poorer pupils and will leave music a preserve of the 'privileged few who can afford private lessons'.
Speaking to the Guardian, Mvula criticised the fact that music had been 'cast off to the bottom of the curriculum' and welcomed Jeremy Corbyn’s recent pledge to invest an extra £160 million to fund music, art and drama in schools.
Reflecting on her own experiences and opportunities growing up, Mvula said: “I was surrounded by teachers and resources that made me feel there were no limits. There wasn’t anything that was off-limits to me because of money or because of who I am or where I come from. You want to play violin, then play violin, you want to study composition at a conservatoire, take up a scholarship there. We lived in a culture of freedom and availability.
“Without that they don’t have anything to stimulate their own musical growth – it’s only available to the privileged few who can afford private lessons.”
Read moreLatest News
09/01/2026 - 10:13
The measure, added to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, delivers on the commitment made in the government’s manifesto to bring multi academy trusts into the inspection system.
08/01/2026 - 10:30
The government is launching a new app allowing students to view their GCSE results on their phones for the first time from this summer.
08/01/2026 - 09:45
Education Business LIVE has announced that Professor Samantha Twiselton OBE of Sheffield Hallam University will speak at the event in March 2026, delivering two thought-provoking sessions focused on initial teacher training and SEND provision.
07/01/2026 - 10:10
Solve for Tomorrow is a free, curriculum-linked programme which is mapped to Gatsby Benchmarks 4, 5, and 6, helping teachers embed careers education without adding to workload.
06/01/2026 - 10:24
London's universal free school meals programme has not led to improvements in pupil attainment during its first year, but has eased financial pressure and reduced stress for families.
