The last few years have been a challenging time for arts education in the UK. As educational institutions have struggled with rising costs and funding decreases, we have seen a series of decisions to cut back university music education across the country. 

 

And while most of these cuts have affected courses for post-18 students, junior departments have not been immune. This summer, young musicians hoping to attend weekend courses at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama were disappointed to learn of the closure of this provision. 

 

We explore what has been happening in the sector, the reasons behind these closures, and – with a new government in place – what the future may hold for music in higher education.