Brass Bands Wales is deeply concerned by the news that Cardiff University has recently announced it is considering the closure of its School of Music. This would be a devastating blow to Wales’ cultural landscape, undermining our rich musical heritage and future talent development.
Wales is internationally renowned as the Land of Song, and brass bands are a fundamental part of that identity. Many of the School of Music’s alumni took their first musical steps in their local brass bands, learning brass and percussion instruments in their communities before progressing to conservatoires such as Cardiff University’s School of Music, and onwards onto professional ensembles, and international stages. The closure of this vital institution would cut off an essential pathway for aspiring musicians, diminishing Wales’ ability to nurture homegrown talent.
The School of Music is also home to Cardiff University Brass Band, an ensemble that provides students with the opportunity to continue their musical journey while studying in Wales’ capital. Many of these players also perform with and support local brass bands, from Fourth Section to Championship level, strengthening the entire brass banding community across Wales. Next month, Cardiff University will host UniBrass, the UK’s national university brass band championships, bringing hundreds of student musicians to perform and compete in a celebration of brass banding. It is deeply worrying that such an event could take place at a university that may soon end its commitment to music education.
The impact extends beyond the university itself. Cardiff University’s School of Music plays a key role in training the next generation of educators, composers, and performers, many of whom go on to inspire and support music-making in communities across Wales. Without this hub of musical excellence, opportunities for young musicians – particularly those from less privileged backgrounds – will be severely restricted.
Brass Bands Wales stands alongside other organisations in calling for Cardiff University to reconsider this decision. Music education is not an optional luxury; it is a vital part of our cultural identity and economic prosperity. The loss of the School of Music would send shockwaves across Wales’ entire musical ecosystem.
We urge Cardiff University and the Welsh Government to recognise the long-term consequences of this decision and commit to safeguarding the future of music education in Wales.