‘I truly believe in the life-changing power of music’

TV’s Gareth wants PM to listen up

- BY HANNAH BRITT

THE nation’s favourite choirmaster Gareth Malone is singing the praises of music in schools and wants the next Prime Minister to see his new tour to experience its transformative power.

When asked what he would like to say to whoever takes over from Keir Starmer, Gareth, 50, says: “I hope the new PM takes [music] more seriously and then considers mandating for more music in schools.

“There are so many kids up and down the country who aren’t going to get As at A-level in physics.

“That’s fine, you know, we can't all do that. But for those kids, and especially the ones that struggle at school, music can be a lifeline. Come to the show and see for yourself.”

Gareth, who shot to fame in 2006 with BBC2 series The Choir, believes making music from an early age helps prepare people for the jobs market.

He says: “Music and singing are the things that give people the confidence to go stand up at the job interview.”

Gareth, who has had three No1 records with the Military Wives Choir and the Gareth Malone All Star Choir for Children in Need, also hopes the next PM will place greater importance on after-school activities.