LONDON, July 7 (UPI) -- The British government has released a plan to improve music education in schools, but some professional musicians complain the program is weak.
Britain's Music Manifesto was launched Tuesday, with pop singer Jamelia joining government ministers to detail the program, Britain's Telegraph reported Wednesday.
The curriculum changes call for every child to be given a chance to learn an instrument through subsidized lessons paid for by a $100 million annual grant shared between 150 education authorities.
There would also be 120 scholarships valued between $1,000 and $5,000 for children to study music.
But critics say the Music Manifesto is inadequate.
"I agree with the sentiments of the Music Manifesto, but it is too vague to really make a difference," said Julian Lloyd Webber, a professional cellist. "What does 'subsidized' lessons mean, for example? How much subsidy and where is the money to come from?
"Music education is in crisis and we want to see action and results, not more statements of good intentions from a Government that has neglected it for seven years."
