Nicola Benedetti: Kids Need Culture Not Celebrity

Violinist Nicola Benedetti, 25, has attacked the lack of music provision in schools.

The Scottish violinist, a former BBC Young Musician of the Year, said children need a cultural identity to replace their obsession with celebrities.

"I'm fiercely furious about the provision of music in schools," Benedetti told the Radio Times.

"So many people up and down the country are trying to create a better foundation for musical education. But decisions have been made, especially in the light of funding cuts, that are, I think, catastrophic to our future as a nation," Benedetti added.

Benedetti secured a £2 million, six-album record contract after winning BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2004 at when she was 16.