The recent move by the Royal Academy of Music to introduce a foundation year for talented young musicians facing significant barriers is both welcome and telling.

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By Cathal Ó Dúill, Founder of Playground Proms

It recognises something many of us working on the ground already know: access to music in this country is becoming increasingly unequal.

For too many children, particularly those in deprived areas, live music is not a regular part of life – in fact, it is often completely absent.

Our recent research at Playground Proms found that nearly two in five children have not experienced live music in the past year. The reasons are stark: cost, location and lack of provision in schools. When access to something as fundamental as music depends on where you live or what........

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