Composer adds voice to calls for free music tuition

A group of well-known Scottish musicians, led by composer and conductor Sir James Macmillan, has called on the public to sign a petition calling for a change in the law to ensure musical instrument tuition is free in Scottish schools.

The open letter, also signed by composer Sally Beadle and folk musician Phil Cunningham, highlights the petition to the Scottish Parliament which already has thousands of signatures.

It said: “The arguments for investment are powerful, compelling and well known. The returns on the investment are clear. Our politicians are now feeling a groundswell of support among their voters for music education to be taken seriously in our schools.

“Children need to be nourished with education in the arts, just as they require academic education, and just as they need opportunities to play sport. The surest way out of poverty is education. Musical instrument education is one of the most powerful tools at our disposal to boost attainment at school and address wider challenges in society.”

A total of 23 of Scotland’s 32 councils now charge for in-school tuition of a musical instrument.