Letter: Gray’s ode to joy

It makes a pleasant change to praise a politician, particularly one who has endured much criticism despite his far more interesting hinterland than many of his colleagues.

Reading Iain Gray’s article on the importance of, and individual and social benefits derived from, the opportunity to learn a musical instrument at school (Perspective, 19 May) was an “ode to joy” itself.

It should be required reading in all our education departments, and projects such as El Sistema’s “The Big Noise” be implemented as much as possible throughout the country.

John Birkett

St Andrews