Schools secretary Ed Balls has launched the inaugural National Year of Music to encourage more schools and local authorities to get more children involved with music by 2011.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) is aiming to give more than two million primary school pupils the opportunity to learn a musical instrument within the next two years. Events will take place over the coming year to promote the government's Year of Music initiative, which is being backed by investment worth £330m in music both inside and outside the classroom in a bid to reach more young people.

Children in deprived areas, such as Lambeth, London, will have the opportunity to learn instruments and perform with professionals to live audiences as part of the In Harmony initiative, which is chaired by Julian Lloyd Webber. Meanwhile, Music Partnerships will provide young people with the opportunity to link up with high-profile music organisations, including the London Symphony Orchestra.

Balls said: "Giving young people the chance to learn about music can teach them more than just the ins and outs of an instrument. It forms an integral part of our culture, and I believe it should be an integral part of every childhood."