I am writing this letter to the Vice Chancellor of Cardiff University to express my profound disappointment and outrage at the decision to cut the Music degree course at Cardiff University. This action represents a gross dereliction of duty and a deeply short-sighted betrayal of Wales's rich musical heritage.

As the capital city of Wales, Cardiff University has a unique responsibility to nurture and cultivate artistic talent within the nation. Music is not merely a frivolous pastime; it is an integral part of our cultural DNA, woven into the very fabric of our society. From the vibrant folk traditions to the contemporary sounds emerging from our cities and towns, music enriches our lives, fosters creativity, and strengthens our communities.

Cardiff, as the cultural heart of Wales, has long been the wellspring of musical inspiration for many. Our nation’s musical legacy is deeply intertwined with the lives and works of greats such as Ivor Novello, Alun Hoddinott, William Mathias, and Grace Williams, whose compositions have brought global recognition to Welsh music. To cut the Music degree course is to betray this rich history and the contributions that Welsh musicians have made to the world stage over centuries. This decision diminishes the role Cardiff has played in fostering Wales’s proud tradition of musical excellence and stifles future generations who could follow in these illustrious footsteps.

By eliminating the only dedicated music degree course in Cardiff, the University is effectively forcing aspiring musicians to seek their education elsewhere, likely in England. This not only undermines the aspirations of countless talented young people but also weakens Wales's capacity to produce world-class musicians and contribute to the global music scene.

Furthermore, Music, as a major component of creative industries, supports jobs, local businesses, and tourism, all of which have significant economic value. By cutting the Music degree, Cardiff University risks undermining the future contribution of Welsh musicians and artists to both the local and national economy.

This decision demonstrates a shocking lack of ambition and a profound disregard for the vital role of the arts in a thriving society. It suggests a preference for short-term gains over long-term cultural and economic benefits. Music education is not a luxury; it is an investment in the future, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth.

Music is also essential for mental health and well-being. Studies show that participating in music, either as a performer or audience member, reduces stress, fosters social cohesion, and improves cognitive function. Cutting this course disregards these well-documented benefits, not just for students but for society as a whole.

By abandoning a key cultural course such as music, Cardiff University is risking its own reputation as a leader in higher education and as a progressive institution. Universities are meant to be bastions of intellectual and cultural leadership, and this decision undercuts that role, diminishing Cardiff's standing both within Wales and internationally. Countries like Finland, known for their thriving music education programmes, have shown the world the power of the arts to build a cohesive and progressive society.

To discard such a cornerstone of our cultural identity is an act of cultural vandalism. It sends a chilling message that the arts are not valued in Wales, and that our aspirations for a vibrant and dynamic cultural landscape are being systematically dismantled.

Sincerely,

Llion Williams