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Hitting the right note: how Harris is reviving music education in schools
By Diane, Music Consultant, Harris Federation
The first time I watched one of our Year 7 students step up to a microphone, she was shaking like a leaf. She’d never sung solo before, never mind in front of hundreds of people.
But a few bars in, her voice steadied, her face lit up and by the final chorus she was grinning from ear to ear. Moments like that – watching children realise what they’re capable of – are why I’ve spent over 20 years teaching music, and why I’m determined every child at Harris gets those same opportunities to shine.
Across the country, music is disappearing from school life. Budgets are tight, specialist teachers are scarce, and one in three state schools in disadvantaged areas no longer offers GCSE Music. It’s a huge loss for young people who often rely on school for their only access to instruments, lessons and performance opportunities.
For children growing up in areas of high disadvantage, music can be transformative. It builds confidence, sparks ambition and offers a sense of belonging that some students don’t find anywhere else. It gives them the courage to try, fail, try again – skills they carry into every other part of their education and their lives. Without it, too many young people miss out not only on the joy of music, but on a crucial way to find their voice.
At Harris, we’ve made a different choice. Since 2021, we’ve invested in a dedicated music team, recruited more specialist teachers, and worked with donors to fund better resources – from instruments to rehearsal spaces and recording studios. GCSE Music entries across Harris have risen by over 50%, and now nearly all our secondary schools offer it. These results are defying the national trend, proving that music doesn’t have to be reserved for the privileged few.
This year, over 200 students came together for our first Harris Festival of Music at Fairfield Halls in Croydon. They performed everything from orchestral pieces to steel pan and DJ sets, filling the venue with talent and joy. For many, it was their first time performing on a professional stage – an experience they’ll never forget.
One student told me afterwards:
“I’ve made so much progress this year – and I feel so proud to show it to other people.”
That’s what this work is about: giving students experiences that stay with them forever.
From next year, we’ll offer Harris Music Scholarships, giving talented young musicians access to specialist tuition, mentoring and more opportunities to perform. These scholarships are designed to break down the financial and social barriers that stop too many students from pursuing music seriously.
Music opens doors that exams alone never can – to creativity, confidence and ambition. At Harris, we’re determined to keep those doors wide open, showing that with the right support, students from every background can not only take part in music – they can lead the way.
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Harris Federation Raises The Roof At Fairfield Halls With Fantastic Festival Of Music