It’s the one instrument that schools have hundreds of, that is in every home, that costs nothing to buy or maintain, and that can quickly produce attractive sounds even when used by beginners. Yes, the voice is mankind’s oldest, simplest and greatest musical asset

Yet one would never have guessed that from the way that singing has been allowed to disappear from so many British classrooms. The news that the Government is launching a singing initiative in primary schools, headed by the popular broadcaster and composer Howard Goodall, should be welcomed unreservedly — not least because, since it requires no massive investment in costly equipment, there is a reasonable chance that it will actually happen.

Not before time. This country once had a world-class youth singing tradition, and in some quarters it still flourishes. Outstanding children’s choirs from both the public and private sector compete in the BBC’s Choir of the Year event. The great cathedral and collegiate choirs (these days incorporating girls as well as boys) still set impeccable standards.

The profusion of vocal talent, pop and classical, emerging from stage schools and music colleges has never been more dazzling. And TV crooning contests such as Pop Idol may be essentially frivolous, but they encourage thousands of youngsters to try out their own vocal cords. The basic human urge to sing has never died. But it has been squeezed out of many schools.

The reasons? Curriculum and league-table pressures that persuade head teachers to think of music as a luxury or worse. Too much defeatist thinking about boys, in particular, refusing to sing because it isn’t "cool". And too few staff in schools who are confident enough of their own voices to lead a class in song. Before Mr Goodall can get the children singing he will have to work his magic on the teachers.

And, much though nostalgic fogeys may wish it, half-hearted renditions of "Bobby Shaftoe" and "Strawberry Fair" won’t set pulses racing among today’s worldly nine-year-olds. The songs have to be catchy and contemporary. Two years ago the charity Youth Music had an instant hit with its Singbook, a specially commissioned collection of new songs for schools, brilliantly concocted by successful pop, jazz and film composers. The material is out there. Now let’s get the kids singing it.

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