The Scottish Parliament's Education & Skills Committee has published a series of conclusions and recommendations following its enquiry into instrumental music tuition in schools in the nation.

Entitled — 'A note of concern: The future of instrumental music tuition in schools', the 11 member cross-party committee took evidence in written and oral form from a variety of sources; including parents, teachers, students, musicians and a number of different educational sources and interested parties.

Comprehensive

The 66 page report offers a comprehensive picture of the different ways instrument tuition is provided and charged for, and makes a number of recommendations.

In the broadest of terms the report concludes that "music education can benefit young people, as well as enriching both local and national culture and the economy", and that it can also "...play a pivotal role in raising attainment".

More pertinently however the Committee also believes, that "there is a lack of clarity"whether charging for instrumental tuition in senior secondary education is legitimate, and recommends that that the Scottish Government "clarifies"the "legal basis for such charges"in line with its view that it believes that "instrumental music tutors should be considered to be part of core education provision."

Free of charge

And whilst the report recognises that "there are differing views regarding the status of music tuition", the Committee says it believes "in principle"that "music tuition should be provided free of charge in every local authority."

Further recommendations over tuition fee exemptions to children on low income families are noted — especially as they believe that Scotland's 32 local authorities are not fulfilling the recommendations that, "...pupils's individual circumstances should not be a barrier to their ability to access and benefit from instrumental tuition."

And whilst it also notes that that over-subscription to music tuition can mean severe stains on resources, the report emphasises that "aptitude tests"should not be used as the sole basis for selecting pupils for musical tuition.

No national service

The Committee was also concerned that without action, "the journey of young talent from Scottish state schools into bands, orchestras and into teaching"would be become more difficult.

However, the Committee was not persuaded that a national instrumental music service would "perform better than local services"and agreed that these services should continue to be managed at local level in spite of the "financial pressures"on local authorities.

Finally, in noting that there had been "a number of inquiries, reports and strategies regarding instrumental music tuition over the past 20 years — all broadly reaching the same conclusion", it urged the Scottish Government and local authorities "to reflect upon"whether a 'tipping point' had now been reached.

It's very encouraging however to note the specific conclusions and recommendations and that the Committee believes that music tuition in schools should be provided free of chargeRalph Riddiough

Another step

Responding to the conclusions and recommendations, Ralph Riddiough, a leading activist and supporter of the abolition of tuition fees said that he was pleased, although he felt that this only another step in the right direction.

"The report has no legal foundation to enforce action on its recommendations onto the 32 local authorities, although it does carry a great deal of persuasive weight,"he said.

"It's very encouraging however to note the specific conclusions and recommendations, and that the Committee believes that music tuition in schools should be provided free of charge.

This report is a significant acceptance of the arguments that were put forward by so many people, but now further pressure must be placed on the 32 local authorities to accept the recommendations."

View report

To view the report go to: (scroll to bottom of the page)
https://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/109900.aspx