Hundreds of kids quit music lessons
New charges are hitting a dodgy note
Almost a quarter of schoolkids have quit music lessons in South Ayrshire since fees were announced.
Figures seen by the Ayrshire Post reveal more than 200 pupils are handing back their instruments.
It follows the move – branded “prejudiced” by critics – to introduce charges of up to £ 200 per year for tuition.
Campaigners have now hit Holyrood in a bid to have the controversial levy thrown out.
Musician and former council lawyer, Ralph Riddiough, has amassed 12,000 names on a petition calling for a national rethink.
He said: “Fees in state schools are wrong.
“Music means more to us than to stand by and watch it be turned into a cash cow at the hands of education authorities.”
Mr Riddiough is calling for free tuition to be available “as a right”.
It comes as 216 children indicated they would not be continuing with lessons.
Euan Terras, chair of Prestwick Academy’s parent council, said he was “extremely concerned” by the drop- off.
He added: “South Ayrshire has for a long time punched above its weight as far as musical talent is concerned and I believe this is due largely to the great work of the Instrumental Music Service in South Ayrshire and its teachers.
“It is so disappointing to see all the hard work, efforts and talents now being dismantled by the council’s introduction of fees.
“To my mind this is disastrous for the future of music tuition in South Ayrshire, for those pupils who are now being denied all the benefits that music tuition can bring and for future pupils who will now not be able to afford it.”
Ayr MSP John Scott, who received Mr Riddiough’s petition at the Scottish Parliament, added: “The decision of South Ayrshire Council to withdraw free music tuition to local pupils has come as a real blow to many local families, and I know from contact with several constituents that they simply cannot afford to pay for music tuition for their children.
“My strong view is that they shouldn’t have to pay – free music tuition to be a core element of the school curriculum and that’s why I am supporting Ralph’s campaign to overturn the decision to charge a fee to local families.”
A council spokesman said: “As stated previously, the council has been forced to make difficult decisions about funding due to an overall reduction in the budget given to us by Scottish Government. “We have ensured that those least able to pay are supported, which includes those who are entitled to free meals.
“In addition, the service remains free for young people studying for SQA exams from S3 onwards.“