Nursery World - Music medals to play a high note

(Photograph) - Music medals are to be introduced in schools from this September to encourage young children to achieve their full musical potential. The medals, which will be aimed at children aged six to 13, will be available in five levels - copper, bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Children will be able to take Music Medal assessments on a range of woodwind, string and brass instruments. The scheme has been developed by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, and is the biggest review in music exams for more than a century.

The scheme has been developed by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, and is the biggest review in music exams for more than a century.

Instead of the traditional one-on-one test, children will be examined as they play in a group, placing value on ensemble playing.

Internationally-acclaimed percussionist Evelyn Glennie welcomed the initiative. She said, 'At last we have a system of music education open to all pupils, whatever their level of achievement. Most importantly, the pupils are encouraged to grow individually while making music in a group context.'

The Music Medals scheme was launched in London last week by the chart-topping violin duo DUEL. They said, 'We have always aimed to inspire younger musicians to get involved in learning an instrument at school, so it's fantastic that Music Medals offer such a unique way of improving musical skills.'. Photo Neil Turner

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