Talent is not determined by postcode

AUSTERITY has had an awful impact on public services, but pupils in the state education system have been particularly disadvantaged.

The squeeze on funds, mostly brought about by the UK Government’s deficit reduction strategy but also aided by the SNP administration’s decade-long council tax freeze, has had a huge impact on the opportunities afforded to young people.

In previous times, councils would provide music tuition free of charge, a policy that helped gifted children regardless of background.

Times have changed – and not for the better. According to figures, more than one-third of Scotland’s councils either increased charges, or introduced them, in 2018/19. Fees for group lessons range from £117 to £524.

Other figures show that number of Scottish pupils accessing instrumental music tuition fell from 61,615 in 2016/17 to 60,326 in 2017/18. In West Lothian, more than 1,000 pupils have dropped out of music lessons since fees of £354 were brought in.

The fall in the number of music instructors is also a big worry. The EIS trade union has estimated that there are currently just 667 dedicated tutors serving primary and secondary schools compared with 1,043 in 2007.

The effect of these trends will be to punish poorer pupils and ensure music tuition is the preserve of children whose parents have deep pockets.

Scotland’s culture has been enriched by geniuses from less advantaged backgrounds. Talent is not determined by postcode. We need a national strategy to ensure music tuition is enjoyed, free of charge, by pupils who want it.