Letter: Schools off key

Sir: The pother about musical instruments in schools (leader, 5 February) entirely misses the point. Music is uniquely among the arts, and indeed among most subjects on the curriculum, the least popular. The reason is the Government's failure to supply enough half-decent music teachers able (and allowed) to engage the latent enthusiasm of their students.

Until Mr Blunkett addresses this, it scarcely matters whether he offers the kids penny whistles or bagpipes. Electronic keyboards and computers will not, of themselves, make music lessons creative.

MALCOLM ROSS

Dartington, Devon