Today, as conversations continue and decisions are yet to be finalised, we are calling on our community to keep up the pressure.
The School of Music at Cardiff University is a vital part of the pipeline that supports and develops the next generation of composers and songwriters. A recent survey of The Ivors Classical Awards winners and nominees found that 96% had studied music to higher education level or equivalent, highlighting just how critical institutions like this are to the future of our sector.
In our letter to Professor Larner, we reminded her of the legacy of Ivor Novello, born in Cardiff, whose early opportunities to perform and study music were key to his growth as a cultural icon.
Cardiff is a creative powerhouse, with over 7% of its workforce employed in the media sector and more than £350m generated annually for the regional economy. The presence of high-end TV and film production in South Wales is a real opportunity for students, particularly those interested in media composition. Closing the School of Music risks cutting off a key entry point into these industries, threatening both talent development and the future economic strength of the region.
Nationally, we are facing a crisis in music education. We stand behind the call by Ed Sheeran and others to protect and grow music education – not cut it back. As part of this national movement, we urge decision-makers to invest in the creative future of our young people, and not turn away from it. Read more about the campaign here: Protect and Grow Music Education
Over 25,000 people have signed a petition urging Cardiff University to rethink its proposals. The message is clear: music matters. Music education matters. And the School of Music must be protected.
We urge Cardiff University to listen to its students, staff, alumni and the creative community.
Letter to the President and Vice–Chancellor of Cardiff University
Dear Professor Wendy Larner
I am writing on behalf of The Ivors Academy, our Board and the thousands of our composer and songwriter members they represent to register our concerns at the announcement of your plans to close the School of Music at Cardiff University and urge you to reconsider this proposal.
Music education, and institutions like the School of Music, are a vital pipeline to developing the next generation of talented composers and songwriters. A 2022 survey of the winners and nominees of our Ivors Classical Awards found that 96% had studied music to a higher-education level or equivalent.
Our namesake and one of our founders, Ivor Novello, was born in Cardiff as the son of a debt-collector. It was opportunities such as performing at the National Eisteddfod of Wales and securing a scholarship to university where he performed in the choir that allowed him to develop his craft and grow to be the cultural icon that he is today. If the University continues with this decision, where will this generation’s Ivor Novello be allowed to develop their talent and skills?
Wales has often been described as the ‘land of song’ and Cardiff has increasingly become a key hub for the creative industries in the UK, with over 7% of the region’s workforce working in the media sector and contributing £350m to the region’s economy. The high-end TV and film production taking place in South Wales could provide opportunities for students with an interest in media composition to enter into a successful and fulfilling career that would help support the economy and soft-power of Cardiff and the region.
Over 25,000 people have now signed a petition asking you to reconsider this proposal, and we urge you to engage with the comments made by your students, staff, alumni, and those who are keen to see the continued success of the School of Music.
Yours sincerely,
Roberto Neri, CEO, The Ivors Academy
Board Directors
Ayanna Witter-Johnson , David Arnold, Dru Masters, Emma McClarkin OBE, Eve Horne, Fiona Bevan, Iain Archer, Ines Dunn, Julia Montero, Lizzie Esau, Mika Sellens, Orphy Robinson MBE, Paloma Faith, Tinie Tempah and Tom Gray, Chair
