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Stars back drive to get young people playing instruments
Posted on 14 Sep 2009 16:00 to category : Music News
The government is launching the first ever National Year of Music as part of a wider effort to get more children interested in learning how to play instruments such as guitars, pianos and drum kits.
Other famous faces including violin player Vanessa Mae, Guy Chambers and Lily Allen are joining the Velvet Revolver star in endorsing the initiative.
Schools secretary Ed Balls commented: "Music is at the very heart of British popular culture.
"It's what kids talk about - it's what they aspire to."
Mr Balls said taking up a musical instrument at a young age can have many educational benefits.
Indeed, he noted that it has been proven that music can contribute to better social cohesion, behaviour and literacy skills.
Mr Balls added that music should not be considered a "soft subject", as the benefits it offers are "too important" to ignore.
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