Jake Bugg Criticises UK Music Education: “Teachers Should Be Giving Kids Guitars”

Singer-songwriter Jake Bugg has criticised the UK’s music education curriculum for being overly didactic and too centred on musical theory, instead of allowing students to freely express themselves. Speaking to NME, the acclaimed singer admitted he failed his senior music theory test.

“I failed my GCSE music theory test. Teachers should be giving kids guitars, giving them instruments instead of teaching them what a fucking semi-quaver is,” said Bugg. “It might be useful to know but it’s not what is really important: music comes from the soul.”

Bugg stressed the importance of passion and self-expression in music, instead of the more rigid approach taken by most UK schools, saying “Even if it’s just three chords, if you’re being honest and singing about something that means something to you, that’s what music is about.”

“Let kids pick up an instrument and discover it for themselves and enjoy it,” added Bugg. “I got bored of music at school. I hated it. For working class bands it’s hard to find time to practise…you’ve all got to have jobs. School’s that time when you’re all together and you have got that place.”

Bugg was in the country earlier this year for Splendour In The Grass and found time to come into Music Feeds Studio for an incredible performance. He’s currently readying his second studio album, produced by Rick Rubin, titled Shangri La, set to drop this November.

(Via NME)

Watch: Jake Bugg – Lightning Bolt (Live at Music Feeds Studio)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5LWSnvo9uA&feature=share&list=PLVl37dTG9HO7CbdXp2VQbpEPHMyQXcerB

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