This thread has drifted away considerably from its original topic and the change of title hasn't helped, although I fully understand Joe's reasons for changing it. However I fear it has now drifted into territory where people are simply expressing their prejudices, rather than discussing what is an important topic, which is how far a largely secular society should bend to accommodate religious beliefs.

Does religion deny music to children (or anyone else for that matter)? The answer, clearly, is usually no, but sometimes yes, as the subject of the OP demonstrates.

Music is one of the statutory subjects which must be studied in state schools in the UK, at least up to Key Stage 3 (13-14 years old). It follows that if schools allow parents to withdraw their pupils from studying these subjects they are technically breaking the law. Should they do this, or should they respect the parents' views? Does it matter that the parents' views are a minority interpretation not shared by most of their co-religionists?

Is music an appropriate subject on which to make this an issue? I'm sure none of us on this forum would question the importance of music, but it is something which can be enjoyed and appreciated without formal education in the subject (otherwise we would not have folk music). Arguably, depriving children of education in music is less damaging than some other subjects.