*
banner

4BR Friday Interview with Ralph Riddiough

We speak to one of the main figures behind the campaign to get free music tuition services provided in Scottish Schools — and his hopes now that the Scottish Government has announced £7 million of investment in the next school year.

Rdiiough
  Ralph Riddiough has been one of the driving forces behind the campaign

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

4BR talks to brass band campaigner Ralph Riddiough who was one of the foremost campaigners to demand the abolition of charges for music tuition in schools in Scotland since they were first introduced in South Ayrshire in 2018.

The Scottish government has now announced that they will provide £7 million of funding direct to local authorities for the 2021/22 education year.

Support

Ralph, who plays baritone with Kilmarnock Concert Brass was encouraged by his local MSP to petition the Scottish Parliament on the issue which attracted 12,000 supporters for the cause.

He was also joined by Making Music UK's Alison Reeves and trumpeter Mick Cooke of the Scottish Indie band Belle & Sebastian to address to the Scottish Parliament's Public Petitions Committee in 2018.

Others also added their support such as renowned trumpeter John Wallace to get the Scottish Parliament to look into the subject of music education in schools through a review undertaken by the Education and Skills Committee.

The breakthrough came with the report entitled 'A Note of Concern' which came out in favour of free music tuition for pupils.

Ralph launched a crowd funding campaign which raised £15,000 to enable the hire of a QC to prepare an opinion which supported the cause for submission to the Scottish Government.

Ralph talks about the campaign, it success, and what he hopes it will lead to4BR

Political pressure

That put pressure on all political parties who offered their pledges at the May elections to ensure free music tuition — and this was announced by the Scottish National Party this week.

The service in Scotland costs councils a total of £30 million of which they have been raising £4m or more from fees. The £7m of new money pledged by the Scottish Government replaces the fee income in an agreement that is politically binding — although it still falls short of the ultimate goal of ensuring long term, year on year sustainable investment.

Ralph talks about the campaign, it success, and what he hopes it will lead to.

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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Crewe Brass

September 16 • We are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd