Widen access to classical with free lessons, says Master of the King's Music

All children should be taught musical instruments for free at school to widen access to classical music, according to the first black woman to be appointed Master of the King's Music.

- Rachel Hall

The Belize-born composer, pianist and singer-songwriter Errollyn Wallen said she plans to use her new role to influence "the things I feel are important in music-making today", in particular better music education for children.

"I'm a composer because at my school we were all taught to read and write music, it was a natural part of our daily life and that's not the case now," she said.

"Here music provision is very patchy, so it means people coming into the profession tend to be mostly from the middle class or people with access to greater funds. Music used to be free."

She said that in the past peripatetic teachers had taught children instruments in schools free of charge, and there was more access to school and regional orchestras, representing "an introduction to and involvement in music that didn't require a lot of money". As a result of this shift, "we've lost so much talent", she said.

Masters of the king or queen's music are called upon to compose pieces for special royal occasions, such as royal weddings, jubilees and coronations, but Wallen plans to use the role to champion causes that are "very dear to my heart".