England is a world leader in music education. Provision has existed locally for over 50 years. Recent developments have added national funding to the picture so that all pupils have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. The number accessing regular weekly instrumental tuition has grown from 438,772 (8.4%) in 2005 to a projected figure of over 1.15 million (17.4%) in 20112. New partnership working is starting to develop in many areas of the country. However, as Darren Henley recognised in his report, music education is patchy across the country, and change is needed to enable all pupils to receive a high quality music education. This National Plan provides a flexible template for high quality music provision throughout a pupil's education. It aims for equality of opportunity for all pupils, regardless of race; gender; where they live; their levels of musical talent; parental income; whether they have special educational needs or disabilities; and whether they are looked after children. Annexed are: (1) The funding process for music education hubs; (2) Music technology; (3) The benefits of music (academic literature review); and (4) Case studies. (Contains 46 endnotes.)