MSPS told of ‘unfair’ instrument tuition fees

MSPS have heard from young musicians of the “unfair” and “sad” effects of the introduction of fees for instrument tuition in Scotland’s schools.

Two members of the Scottish Youth Parliament addressed Holyrood’s education committee over the issue, which has seen a number of councils introduce fees in recent months, or increase charges.

Musicians have warned of a crisis in instrument tuition in Scotland, as many students are forced to stop learning an instrument due to the cost. Currently, 23 councils bill parents for instrument lessons, with annual prices ranging from £117 in Inverclyde to £318 in the Highlands,

Alice Ferguson, MSYP for Linlithgow and a pupil at West Lothian instrumental service, said the introduction of fees had created an “elite” system.

West Lothian council earlier this year introduced a £354-a-year fee to learn an instrument. It has been claimed dozens of students have since left as a result.

She said: “You’re not just just learning to play an instrument, you learn so many skills which you can take through life. By introducing a charge you’re denying young people this opportunity depending on how much money they have, which is unfair.

“Watching the transition from the service being free to after the charges have been implemented, [the school band] is not the same, there’s not as many people there.”

She added: “Why should you be denied the opportunity to do music because you can’t afford it? Only the elite get to do music now.”