Bradford's education chiefs today welcomed news that school music is to receive a £180 million boost over the next three years.

The money to teach children to play musical instruments and for in-service training for teachers was unveiled by the government today in the form of the Youth Music Trust.

It is not yet known how much money Bradford will receive, but the announcement was welcomed.

Angela Marsh, music co-ordinator at Gilstead Middle School at Gilstead, Bingley, said: "I believe music is very important. It is one subject where it can do so much for a child's self-confidence and self-esteem."

In common with other schools, parents pay for music tuition and instrument hire, which are both available at subsidised rates through Bradford's Schools Music Service.

Around a third of the school's pupils currently take part in some form of music tuition.

Moorfield School in Ilkley puts music at the heart of their curriculum. Deputy head teacher Jane Disley says almost all children at the school play the recorder and singing and music theory are taught from an early age. She said: "It is very valuable for the children to learn music."

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