Classical music is becoming the preserve of the privately educated because state school children do not routinely learn instruments, the boss of a leading orche
A pipeline of talent that for years has streamed from recorders in primary school, through choirs and youth orchestras and into the world’s concert halls, is in danger of drying up. More and more state schools are dropping the option for pupils to learn an instrument and cancelling contracts with part-time teachers. Music academies seeking to recruit young talent will soon be limited to private schools, where the violin, oboe, clarinet and cello can still be heard in the practice rooms. For generations, Britain’s musicians played fortissimo across the world. In years to come, classical music in this land may be only a whimper.
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