THE state of music education in England’s schools has come under fire from classical musician James Rhodes in the two- part television series Don’t Stop The Music, which bemoans the lack of resources invested in the subject.

The pianist believes that music can be a positive influence on children’s lives, impacting on behaviour, creativity, teamwork, and even literacy and numeracy — not to mention appreciating one of life’s greatest pleasures.

And his view is shared by SS Simon and Jude Primary Academy in Great Lever.

There, instead of teaching national curriculum music, the school encourages pupils to learn to play a musical instrument and to sing and read music.

Headteacher Simon Bramwell said: “Here at SS Simon and Jude we believe that acquiring a range of skills, including music, helps develop wider cognition.

“It adds enjoyment to the curriculum as well as a set of life skills. Sometimes it is the spark that allows a child to succeed for the first time.”

He added: “It provides children with an opportunity to develop a life- long interest that will open doors and may even lead to a profession. We have had a close association with Bolton Music Service for a number of years, they provide our pupils with the opportunity to play a stringed, a wind and a percussion instrument, as well as learning to sing.”

Children learn a range of instruments during their time at school, starting with the recorder before mastering the viola, violin and cello and trying their hand at the African drums as well as other instruments.

And music co-ordinator at the school, Kirsty Brooksbank, says music helps children increase in confidence, be part of a team, develop their concentration skills as well developing many other lifeskills.

She said: “Music education has been a part of this school for a very long time. Many of the children would not get the opportunity to learn a musical instrument otherwise. They really enjoy it, it engages them and they develop their confidence through performing on stage, they understand the importance of teamwork because they have to work together and it also develops their listening and watching skills.”

Mrs Brooksbank said music lessons can help unlock hidden talents in children as well as bring to life other lessons — with each topic in the creative curriculum having a music element.

Puja Solanki, aged 10, said: “I really enjoy learning to play musical instruments, and playing different pieces of music.

“My favourite is the violin, it can be hard but I just enjoy playing it and would like to continue playing it at secondary school.”

Sarah Williams, aged 10, added: “You really have to concentrate when learning to play a musical instrument and you learn different skills.”

And some of the young musicians have had a chance to play alongside the Halle Orchestra at the prestigious Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.

Daniel Smith, aged 10, said: “It felt really exciting to have played alongside the orchestra — I would never have had that opportunity if I hadn’t learned to play a instrument.

“It was really inspiring and I didn’t really feel nervous.”