1,000 signatures reached
To: Dr Grace Vickers (CEO at Midlothian Council)
Save Midlothian's Instrumental Music Service
Midlothian Council are proposing huge budget cuts to education services in Midlothian next year as they try to save nearly £14 million in 25/26. One of these proposed cuts is a significant attack on the funding for the Instrumental Music Service whose instructors provide both individual tuition, plus leading rehearsals and performances for school bands and concerts.
At present, most Instrumental Music Services in each local authority are funded by a combination of ring-fenced money from Scottish Government and additional investment from each council. Midlothian Council plan to reduce the local authority funding by £300,000 in 25/26 which will see a decimation of the current service. They want to cut music instructor posts from 11.4 FTE to 6.2FTE- a reduction of nearly half the number of instructors that would be able to work with pupils and schools.
We call on Midlothian Council to reverse this proposed cut and recognise the importance of access to free instrumental music tuition that enables pupils to achieve their full potential, regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic background.
At present, most Instrumental Music Services in each local authority are funded by a combination of ring-fenced money from Scottish Government and additional investment from each council. Midlothian Council plan to reduce the local authority funding by £300,000 in 25/26 which will see a decimation of the current service. They want to cut music instructor posts from 11.4 FTE to 6.2FTE- a reduction of nearly half the number of instructors that would be able to work with pupils and schools.
We call on Midlothian Council to reverse this proposed cut and recognise the importance of access to free instrumental music tuition that enables pupils to achieve their full potential, regardless of their geographical location or socio-economic background.
Why is this important?
Music plays an important part in shaping our culture and society, and is more a part of our everyday lives than ever before. Most people listen to the radio; play CDs or vinyl; use streaming services; or attend gigs, concerts and festivals.
Music is good for pupils’ wellbeing and their mental health. Taking part in music making and listening to music are also joyful activities. Enjoyment of learning is a core principle of Curriculum for Excellence, which envisages young people being active in their learning and having opportunities to develop and demonstrate their creativity. Music is an important means of human expression, which allows children to find their identity, use their voice, and boost their self-esteem. For children from low-income families, music can be a way of helping them to overcome disadvantage.
Curriculum for Excellence has creativity and self-expression at its heart. Learning how to play an instrument boosts pupils’ confidence, mental health, organisational skills, teamwork skills, literacy and numeracy. The benefits are manifold. And yet, the value our education system places on music seems to be diminishing while our enjoyment of it and realisation of its importance increases. This paradox must be challenged.
Scottish Instrumental Music Teachers are amongst the best in the world. Their expertise, professionalism and dedication must be recognised, and we must value their contribution to educating our young people. We need your help to defend and maintain this vital service.
Music is good for pupils’ wellbeing and their mental health. Taking part in music making and listening to music are also joyful activities. Enjoyment of learning is a core principle of Curriculum for Excellence, which envisages young people being active in their learning and having opportunities to develop and demonstrate their creativity. Music is an important means of human expression, which allows children to find their identity, use their voice, and boost their self-esteem. For children from low-income families, music can be a way of helping them to overcome disadvantage.
Curriculum for Excellence has creativity and self-expression at its heart. Learning how to play an instrument boosts pupils’ confidence, mental health, organisational skills, teamwork skills, literacy and numeracy. The benefits are manifold. And yet, the value our education system places on music seems to be diminishing while our enjoyment of it and realisation of its importance increases. This paradox must be challenged.
Scottish Instrumental Music Teachers are amongst the best in the world. Their expertise, professionalism and dedication must be recognised, and we must value their contribution to educating our young people. We need your help to defend and maintain this vital service.