Specialist music centre is a gem in Edinburgh’s education programme
AS a former specialist violin teacher at Brought on (19982013)I support the fight against the changes proposed by Edinburgh Council to dramatically change the provision of the delivery of specialist music at Broughton.
The original idea to set up a specialist music centre by edinburgh Council was an amazingly forward-thinking vision showing great initiative and understanding of the importance of nurturing exceptional musical talent, the importance of music as a cohesive and curative medium and as an expression of a civilised and cultured society. To now contemplate throwing away such a gem in the council’s education programme is unimaginable.
The purpose-built specialist music wing at the present Broughton school was only built in 2009. This facility is state-of-the-art with practice rooms that are fully sound proof, each room containing a Steinway piano, a concert hall with adjoining recording studio, staff base and director’s office. Contained within the unit are all the modern needs necessary to operate such a venture.
This facility consequently provides a great sense of community for both pupils and staff and naturally enough, being under one roof, the practicalities are evident and enormous.
Group activities such as variously sized ensembles from duo to orchestra are readily organised and accommodated, even spontaneously.
The sharing of ideas and information among the tutors in the staff room plays an important role and, as in my case, I would frequently barge in to Mr Montgomery’s room unannounced and ask for a few minutes of his time to accompany on the piano one of my pupils. It is also part of the school procedure that everyone receives regular accompaniment from the staff on every piece they learn.
Everyone knows about the weekly Twilight concerts, an extraordinary opportunity and experience for the pupils to perform in a concert hall with a live audience of fellow pupils, staff and parents.
The importance of ‘Flora’s’ can’t be emphasized too strongly either.
There is the obvious situation of the fit between the primary and secondary schools. The truly inspired work of Susan ems lie as directors hines throughout the programme.
The staff and Susan, in her capacity as teacher, work in both schools so there is great communication and continuity for both pupils and staff. There are also music group collaborations which is wonderfully inspiring for the ‘Flora’s’ pupils.
On a personal level, I have to say it was a complete pleasure to teach at Broughton.
Watching the children blossoming musically and as personalities was always rewarding and forever reinforced the view that music has this innate quality to heal, draw people together and create harmony.
Take away by breaking up this very special facility, and none of the above will any longer exist what a loss.
One final area I haven’t touched upon is the ambassadorial function the Music School provides for the city.
It’s very existence garners great ku dos, apart from the fact that musicians from the school are often used in performance to enhance various city happenings. PETER MARKHAM Dullatur, Lanarkshire