Yamaha Education Projects

Federation Of Music Services

The FMS was established in 1996 and has a membership of 156 music services, who between them represent 0.5 million students and 10,000 teachers in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and the Channel Isles.

Yamaha has supported the FMS for many years and this year our support is being used for what we and our colleagues in the FMS think is a very important purpose, which John Witchell, Chief Executive of the FMS, describes:

"As part of the longer term support for the Federation of Music Services, this year (2009) Yamaha is contributing funds to a major impact assessment of the Key Stage Two Instrumental Teaching programme, 'Wider Opportunities in Music". The research is being undertaken by Professor Anne Bamford of the Engine Room (University of Arts, London) and will be finding out the extent to which the Wider Opportunities programme really does provide all children with the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument. What is the impact on the children's lives, personally, socially and educationally as well as musically? How does Wider Opportunities contribute to school improvement? What are the issues that teachers have in relation to planning, assessing and managing? What is the story to tell key stakeholders, including the government? The findings of the impact assessment are due to be revealed in early 2010.

John Witchell, FMS Cheif Executive, commented: "This is a particularly important piece of work and it is good that Yamaha's financial support is being utilised in such a specific way. It is evidence of the FMS and Yamaha working together for the benefit of all young people."

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(updated: October 2009)