Statement on proposed closure of Cardiff University's Music Department

The proposed closure of Cardiff University's music department is a profound blow to the cultural and educational landscape of Wales. 

Evan Dawson, CEO of National Youth Arts Wales said:

“The music department at Cardiff University has a proud history, interwoven with the development of Welsh music, notably through the influence of Professor Alun Hoddinott. As a former head of the department, Hoddinott was instrumental in shaping the institution into a powerhouse for musical education and innovation, fostering talents like Karl Jenkins and many others who have enriched our cultural landscape. This department has been the cradle for many composers, musicians and scholars who've left an indelible mark on the arts both in Wales and globally.  

We are witnessing a worrying trend where the arts, particularly music, are being systematically devalued through funding cuts and institutional closures. This decision by Cardiff University threatens the immediate future of current students, staff and the broader music community – whilst it also jeopardises the long-term cultural health of our nation. 

Music education is not merely an academic pursuit - it is a fundamental part of our community's identity, offering young people avenues for expression, personal development and professional opportunities. The closure of this department would drastically reduce the pathways available for those aiming to contribute to Wales's rich musical heritage. 

In our recent "Youth Arts Crisis" statement, we highlighted how chronic underfunding in youth arts is denying opportunities for countless young people, impacting their health, education and community wellbeing. This decision by Cardiff University starkly illustrates the very issues we've been campaigning about. It is imperative that we recognise and invest in the arts as essential to our society's fabric. 

We urge Cardiff University to reconsider its decision. We must all act now to secure a future in which every young person in Wales has the chance to benefit from the arts, ensuring that the cultural legacy of our nation, once nurtured by figures like Alun Hoddinott, continues to flourish for generations to come.”

NYAW is in touch with our many members of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, National Youth Choir of Wales and National Youth Brass Band of Wales who are currently studying at Cardiff University.

"I’m currently in my second year undergraduate at Cardiff University, studying music. The proposal to shut the School of Music has deeply affected staff and students. We’re all unsure how the future looks now, but we know we will feel the impacts of the closures over the next year. For the capital city to lose its music school is a huge blow.” 

NYOW member

"As a third year student at Cardiff University, the School of Music have provided me with many valuable experiences throughout my journey. It's heartbreaking news that our music course at Cardiff might be coming to an end, and a shock to everyone that future students might not have this same opportunity."

NYOW member