Music matters – regardless of background

Sir, – I am writing to express my great concern about Perth and Kinross Council’s plans to increase instrumental music fees at schools by 60% over the next three years.

We have two daughters who were very fortunate to benefit from violin lessons provided at their schools by Instrumental Music Services. They both progressed well into grades 7 and 8 and benefited greatly from attending Central Groups orchestras. It is not only their instrumental skills but the love of music for their lifetime and sharing music experiences with their friends.

Another huge benefit of the instrumental instruction was participation in concerts and music competitions which developed their confidence and performing ability – so important in adult life.

The proposed rise in fees will raise the cost to a level exceeding £1,000 per child each year. This well exceeds any funds that we can give for this education, and I am positive that many families would not be able to afford this either.

This will make music education only available to the upper classes and exclude the majority of Scottish society from participation in music making.

The IMS will loose many pupils and reduce in size while all Central Groups orchestras will cease to exist. So there will be no concerts of youth orchestras and that in turn will hit music festivals.

Another huge repercussion is exclusion of great future talent from excellent IMS education which has been one of the greatest success stories of Perth and Kinross. In the future music in general will take a great hit.

Would anyone who loves music and is concerned what the current local government policy might do please kindly sign our petition – Music MattersKeep Fees Fair – at change.org. Malgorzata SozanskaStanton. New Road. Milnathort.