A TELEVISION programme about the state of musical education in Britain does not represent the picture in Bolton, the head of the town’s music services has said.

Carolyn Baxendale, head of Bolton Music Service and the Greater Manchester Music Hub, was speaking in response to Channel 4’s Don’t Stop the Music.

The two-part series, which launched on Tuesday, sees internationally renowned classical pianist James Rhodes on a mission to “investigate the crisis in music education” and ask viewers to donate unused instruments.

Mrs Baxendale said the first episode, which saw the musician visit a primary school in Essex with no music budget and in special measures, was positive overall, but is keen to stress it does not paint a national picture.

She said: “I think it’s really good that the programme showed how important it is to have what we call a broad and balanced curriculum.

“Children do not become better learners just by doing more maths or more science.

“Music and the arts play an important role.

“There certainly are parts of the country where the provision is as deprived as it showed in this particular school, but it does not represent the national picture.

“I’m not sure that a national programme to bring in instruments to Oxfam is the best way forward.

“What we need is experienced people with expertise to teach children, it’s not just about having an instrument.”

Bolton Music Service heads up the Greater Manchester Music Hub, which teaches about 8,000 children to play a musical instrument every week and runs 45 weekly out-of-school bands, choirs and orchestras, including T-Rock for budding rock musicians.

A total of 122 music education hubs were set up across the country in 2012 and Greater Manchester’s includes Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan music services, along with Bolton.

Bolton Music Service works with schools to provide instrumental and vocal music tuition, as well as the chance for youngsters to perform in concerts.

Mrs Baxendale said: “In Bolton, there is no question that our head teachers understand the importance of music and I think that’s great for the children.

“Schools are our first port of call, the relationship with the schools is the most important thing.

“The other thing the music service is keen to do is provide really good performance opportunities for children.”

Youngsters from across Bolton are given the chance to work with and experience the sounds of prestigious organisations including The Hallé orchestra, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Manchester Camerata, Chetham’s School of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music. It also strives to offer a wide range of music opportunities to reflect the town’s diverse population, including world music, rock, pop and jazz, as well classical.

If you have a musical instrument you’d like to donate to the service, or to find out more about opportunities for youngsters, email music.service@bolton.gov.uk.