The Scottish government has announced that it will fund instrumental lessons in schools, as well as remove ‘core curriculum’ costs for things such as home economics materials and theatre trips.
In an agreement with COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities), the SNP government has provided more than £7m to cover the costs, and councils will receive £6m to waive core curriculum charges.
The Music Education Partnership Group (MEPG) has been campaigning for these changes and recently published the Music Manifesto for Scotland in collaboration with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, in which the removal of tuition fees was recommended.
Education secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: ‘My priority is to ensure the best possible outcomes for all of Scotland’s children and young people, whatever their background. All children should have the best start in life and the ability to take part in core elements of education should never be limited by a child’s ability to pay.
‘Today’s announcement means families will not see bills for musical tuition or core curriculum activities in the new school year. I will continue to work with COSLA and local authorities to develop a sustainable and funded model for future years.’
In 2020 it was reported that the number of students in Scotland learning a musical instrument had dropped by almost 5,500 since 2016/17 - an all-time low since the Instrumental Music Service (IMS)'s annual report began in 2012/13.
COSLA Children and Young People spokesperson councillor Stephen McCabe, said: ‘Councils recognise the importance of instrumental music tuition for the learning and development of our children and young people.
‘Where fees were in place for tuition this is due to a range of local pressures on core council budgets. The one year funding package agreed between COSLA Leaders and Scottish Government will allow for the removal of fees in the coming academic year and the maintenance of existing levels of provision, so that fees and charges are not a barrier to learning an instrument.’
