*
banner

Free music tuition campaign hits first target

The campaign to seek a judicial review over the imposition of fees for music instrument tuition in state schools in Scotland has hit its first funding target.

Change the tune
  The campaign is seeking a judicial review of the decision to charge for music instrument tuition.

The campaign to try and ensure children in Scotland can receive free musical instrument tuition has hit its initial fund raising target of £15,000.

It will be used to pay for legal fees to fund the first steps towards a potential judicial review of the lawfulness of the fees in Scotland's state schools.

Breaking the law

The campaign believes that local authorities are breaking the law that requires state schools to provide education without charging fees.

It will now be able to engage the renowned legal team of Solicitor, Elaine Motion, and Advocate, Aidan O'Neill QC who have a formidable track record of judicial review of the Scottish Government including in relation to education matters.

Full aim

Campaign activist Ralph Riddiough, who is also giving his professional expertise free of charge told 4BR. "The fund has met its initial target and will now stay open to try and reach its full aim to help the case run all its way.

However, it's my hope that the strong representations the legal team will make before this gets to court will bring about a proper financial and political resolution that is so needed."

In a recent debate in Holyrood it was noted that the Scottish Government had stated that instrumental music tuition should be "provided free of charge".

The fund has met its initial target and will now stay open to try and reach its full aim to help the case run all its wayCampaign activist Ralph Riddiough

To help

To help the Crowd Justice fund raising, go to:

https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/changethetune/

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Symphony Hall

2028 European Championships to be held in Birmingham

April 24 • EBBA to run 50th anniversary event at Symphony Hall in Birmingham.


Linz

Report & Result: 10th European Solo Championship

April 24 • Young Swiss cornet star Simon Gabriel adds to his growing list of accolades as he becomes European Solo Champion in Linz.


Stevenage

Abusive and threatening behaviour sees ban

April 24 • The London & Southern Counties Regional Championships have acted to ban a band member after abusing and threatening behaviour towards a concert hall steward.


Fleetwood contest

Fleetwood live...

April 24 • If you can't get to Linz or Fleetwood this weekend you can still just sit back and enjoy the action from the comfort of your own home.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


City of Norwich Brass

April 23 • City of Norwich Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Duncan Wilson

Bmus(hons), LGSMD
Conductor, Adjudicator (member AoBBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd