I sincerely hope the Arts Council will continue to provide funding for the music teaching in schools.

Children should be introduced to music at an early age and they love it too. It feeds the soul and refreshes the mind.

Many children would never experience the joy of making music if it wasn't for the dedicated, patient, peripatetic teachers who give them the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument or to use their voices in choral singing. I attended a service with the Royal Society of St George in Blackburn Cathedral and listened to the Salvation Army Band. What a delight it was! Where will we find musicians for our youth orchestras if funding is withdrawn from this valuable resource?

E Eastham (via email).