Music educators will be forming an association that will aim to increase standards and encourage children to learn more about music.

The Association of Music Educators in Malta is expected to be set up next month when the committee members will be selected during a meeting.

The association will ensure that teachers’ voices and concerns are heard in the interest of both educators and students.

Mariella Cassar, as education officer who is helping set up the association, explained that as from this year government primary schools will teach basic theory to students. This would mean children would learn how to read music.

Schools would also be encouraged to set up choirs to participate in an annual choir festival, she said.

Negotiations were also underway with the University of Malta to introduce a Matsec O level in music.