4BR understands that one of the leading local authorities in Scotland is considering making extensive cuts in instrument teaching jobs over the next year to meet its budgetary requirements.

25% cuts

Fife Council is said to be looking at reducing the number of posts by up to 25% by April 2010 and then another 25% by April 2011.

Sources have informed 4BR that if undertaken the cuts would effect instructors and the musical activities and residential courses in Fife, such as the Fife Youth Orchestra, Concert Band, String Orchestra, Kingdom Fiddlers, Fife Young Fiddlers, individual school orchestras, wind bands and ensembles.

Under threat

They believe that even the long standing Fife Festival of Music, a two week event of musical celebration, may also be under threat.

One instructor who would be directly affected told 4BR: "This is devastating news for not only children hoping to learn a musical instrument but also for all music activities in Fife. These cuts would greatly reduce the opportunities for young people to learn any musical instrument on an individual or small group basis."

These cuts would greatly reduce the opportunities for young people to learn any musical instrument on an individual or small group basis4BR source

Opposed

Those opposed to the possibility of the cuts believe that pupils who have already undertaken music as a subject choice could well be left without an instrumental teacher before the forthcoming summer term.

Leading

Fife has been regarded as one of the leading authorities in Scotland for its provision of music and its delivery of services and activities for many years has been regarded as one of the most progressive in the country.