The Music Education Council is sad to announce the passing of Angela Ruggles. Angela is widely known across the sector for her tireless commitment to music education as a civil servant, at MEC and ISME. We join together to send our condolences to her family at this difficult time.
Richard Hallam MBE, former Chair of MEC, writes:
"Angela Ruggles was passionate about the importance of music education. She was caring, supportive of those she worked with, conscientious, hard-working and totally committed.
In her role as a senior civil servant, she ensured that many important and life-changing government policies were developed and enacted. She had a passion for social fairness and a vast knowledge of music, in part from being a clarinettist herself. Her contribution to improving the music education of literally millions of young people through taking forward government policy is beyond measure.
She had many areas of responsibility in addition to music education, but always worked tirelessly to ensure that all children had the opportunity to receive equal and fair access to the best possible music education in school, as part of the national curriculum, through instrumental and vocal tuition, and through out of school activities. She worked tirelessly to ensure the implementation of policies that would work in practice, even in the face of opposition. Her aim was always to achieve the best possible outcomes for all young people.
Although Angela had the ear of Secretaries of State and Ministers of Education, she always found time to listen to and meet with music educators from across the sector. Her interest went beyond her professional responsibilities. She genuinely cared about and appreciated the work of music educators and wanted to facilitate this in whatever ways she could.
On retiring from the civil service, she continued to work in key roles to support the UK Music Education Council (MEC) and the International Society for Music Education (ISME), bringing her significant skills to further promoting the cause of music education throughout the world.
Overall, her contribution to music education has been immense. She leaves a significant legacy. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to work closely with her and by those who were lucky enough to know the truly wonderful, caring person that she was."
