More than half of Danish primary schools now include morning song as part of their routine. According to a press release from the Ministry of Culture, 1,255 schools, representing 50.2 percent of all primary schools in the country, have adopted the practice.

The survey results stem from a project initiated in August of the previous year by Minister of Culture Jakob Engel-Schmidt and composer Phillip Faber. The initial goal of the project, to have morning song implemented in one in four primary schools by the end of the school year, has been surpassed.

Engel-Schmidt expressed surprise at the high adoption rate, calling the figures “uplifting.” He emphasized the benefits of the program. “It means that tens of thousands of children sing together once or more a week, learn something about the Danish song treasure, become wiser about our culture and hear each other’s voices,” the Minister stated.

A funding pool of DKK 15 million was created to support the implementation of morning song. Schools could apply for these funds to purchase songbooks and instruments, as well as to enhance the musical skills of teachers and educators. Engel-Schmidt underscored the significance of the Danish song tradition, stating, “When we sing together, we belong together. And in a time when the world around us is changing, I think there is good reason to pass on the gift that community singing is to our children.”

Looking ahead, the Minister is open to the possibility of similar initiatives in other sectors. “When public schools, private schools and independent schools have engaged so strongly, there is a possibility that the project can also be extended to other parts of our society,” he said. In addition to the financial support, the project includes a team of 18 musicians who work to encourage schools to incorporate morning song into their daily schedules. This team includes well-known artists such as pop star Christopher and singer Nanna Øland Fabricius, also known as Oh Land.