In the letter, Chief Executive Roberto Neri urges the university’s leadership to reverse the decision, warning that any closure would damage the UK’s cultural strength, reduce opportunities for young people and weaken the talent pipeline that supports the country’s world-leading music industry.
Sign the petition to stop the suspension of music courses.
Full Letter to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nottingham
Dear Professor Jane Norman
On behalf of The Ivors Academy, which represents songwriters and composers internationally, I am writing with deep concern about the suspension of undergraduate music courses (Music BA, Music with Foundation Year BA, Music with Creative Music Technology BA, and Music with Creative Music Technology with Foundation Year BA) at the University of Nottingham. If made permanent, these cuts pose a serious risk to the livelihoods of our members and to future generations of songwriters and composers.
The suspension of courses came shortly after the government’s recognition of the importance of creativity by committing to prioritise music and creative education in the English national curriculum. The government’s commitment reflects the critical role music plays in our society, our economy and our international standing. The UK is a global leader in cultural power, with music at its centre. Undermining access to music education weakens a national asset that supports our international reputation, bringing students and visitors to the UK from around the world.
We have a duty to protect the songwriters and composers who enrich our culturally vibrant heritage. Composition and songwriting must be valued for what they are, core elements of our identity and part of the creative lifeblood of the UK. They cannot be reduced to an optional extra.
Songwriters and composers make a vital contribution to the UK’s economy, culture and wellbeing, forming the foundation of an £8bn industry. Their success depends on a thriving cultural ecosystem, on public and trust funding, on public service broadcasting and, crucially, on an education system that provides opportunities to develop musical and compositional craft. Our research shows that 96% of previous winners and nominees of our prestigious Ivors Classical Awards studied music to higher education level or equivalent. This pipeline matters.
Most professional composers combine writing with teaching and other musical activities. Any threat to these activities is a threat to the portfolio careers that sustain professional composition. This would result in fewer career opportunities, the loss of skilled jobs and a diminished musical landscape, affecting early career creators and established professionals alike.
The government has already identified the creative industries as one of the UK’s priority growth sectors. That recognition is only meaningful if supported by action. Protecting music education is essential for producing well rounded citizens and for sustaining the talent pipeline that ensures music’s future.
We call on the University Council at the University of Nottingham to reverse the suspension of undergraduate music courses to protect the provision of music at the university and uphold the UK’s reputation as a world leader in music and creativity.
Yours sincerely
Roberto Neri
Chief Executive Officer, The Ivors Academy
Board Directors
Ayanna Witter-Johnson, David Arnold, Dru Masters, Emily Howard, Eve Horne, Fiona Bevan, Iain Archer, Ines Dunn, Lizzie Esau, Mika Sellens, Orphy Robinson MBE, Renell Shaw, Tinie Tempah and Tom Gray, Chair
