The Welsh Assembly Government has defended its decision to cut funding for music tuition in schools.

The Music Development Fund was established in 1999 to pay for instrument lessons for children who cannot afford them and for music therapy for those with special educational needs.

However, this year the fund will face a 30 per cent reduction in its budget from £3 million to £1.9 million.

The move has provoked criticisms from Wales' leading musicians, including the Prince of Wales' official harpist, Catrin Finch.

"Music is so important for children," she said.

"It's vital that every child has the chance to learn an instrument.  I had so much help from Ceredigion council.  My parents could not have afforded all the tuition I had and everybody deserves that chance."

"By now I have had wonderful experiences through music and have met people all over the world," Finch added.

"When people come up to you after a performance and tell you what they have got out of it, it makes everything worthwhile."

Authorities

In a statement, the assembly government insisted that local authorities had received a "good" settlement of £3.2 billion for 2004/05, and it was up to them how it was spent.

"Since 1999 a specific Music Development Fund has provided funding for music activities outside of formal schooling. £1.9 million has been earmarked for 2004/05," it read.

"However, as the Music Development Fund is now included in the Better Schools Fund programme, local authorities this year will have the flexibility to move money into different activities to target what they regard as their priority areas."