Families in need of support surge
Applications for fees help up 50%
The number of families in the region applying for financial help to pay for children’s music lessons has increased by 50 per cent.
Since Perth and Kinross Council’s decision at its budget meeting in February to increase music fees by 20 per cent in each of the next three years, there has been a surge in the number of families asking for support from the Perth and Kinross Music Foundation.
The foundation, which was set up over 20 years ago, aims to help financially support families in the region who are struggling to fund their children’s music lessons.
It also helps to fund other associated costs, such as the membership fees for the weekly bands and orchestras on offer.
Since the fee hike was announced, talented young musicians, their parents and supporters have been carrying out a range of fundraising activities to help the trust, and have even handed in a 1200-strong petition to the council against the cuts.
The most recent fundraising drive came last weekend, when the region’s music teachers joined together to put on a charity concert.
Teachers from the Instrumental Music Service entertained a packed St John’s Episcopal Church on Perth’s Princes Street on Sunday, September 30. All the teachers who give music lessons in the region took to the stage to delight the audience with their musical talents. The concert was compered by retired Kinross High School head teacher Dick Keatings and refreshments and a raffle helped to raise more funds.
Over £800 was raised during the concert, which will help to support three more families with their tuition fees.
Andrew Mitchell from the music foundation said: “The music tutors have responded so generously to our appeals for help this year.
“In light of the recent increases in costs set by Perth and Kinross Council, applications for our support are 50 per cent higher than in any previous year.
“We are confident that, somehow, we will be able to match the demand.
“We are getting extra help from the Gannochy Trust, Perth Guildry, Rotary and a number of other trusts who recognise the value of our work The wind teachers perform at the fundraising concert Picture by Andrew Mitchell with young musicians.
“Perhaps more concerning for the future, is the reduction we are seeing in applications from new families seeking to get their children started for the first time with instrumental lessons.
“The value of a musical education is undisputed, playing a strong part in overall attainment as well as in a child’s health and wellbeing.
“For the past 20 years Perth and Kinross Music Foundation has supported low income families, but now we are seeing that the rising fees, with further rises in the pipeline, are impacting on a wider range of income groups.
“The event was very well attended and we raised over £800 - which ensures support for three more families with tuition fees and the cost of their child’s attendance at the central group orchestras.”
The music tutors have responded so generously