*
banner

Free instrumental music service campaign reaches Scottish Parliament

The campaign to make instrumental music services free in Scotland will be heard in the Scottish Parliament next month.

Chnage
  The campaign has now reached the Scottish Parliament where the MSPs will hear evidence by supporters and activists

A high profile campaign to try and save free instrumental music services in Scotland will finally reach the Scottish Parliament next month.

The petition asking for Instrumental Music Services to become a statutory obligation will be heard at Holyrood in Edinburgh on the morning of 13th September.

Public hearing

The public hearing will receive evidence from a number of leading activists and supporters, whilst supporters are being asked to come along and provide a musical 'Flashmob' to ensure the politicians can also hear what is at stake.

The overall #changethetune campaign has gained widespread local, national and even international support from leading musicians such as John Wallace CBE, Ian Bousfield and Christian Lindberg, pop stars Nick Cook and Paolo Nutini and national music bodies such as the Scottish Brass Band Association.

Such has been the success following news that an increasing number of local authorities in Scotland were either contemplating or implementing charges for instrumental music services, that it has also garnered a groundswell of focused media coverage.

Catastrophic effects

Speaking to 4BR, one of the leading campaign activists Ralph Riddiough, said: "In just a six week period we managed to gain the level of support to bring our petition to Holyrood to be heard by a cross party group of MSPs linked to the Public Petitions Committee.

Now the time has come to highlight the catastrophic effects charging has, and will bring to generations of children. We have already heard that in some cases over 50% of instruments — in some cases up to 80% — have been returned as families cannot afford to pay for the services their children love.

This is a hugely successful service that has been over- subscribed for years and once employed over 1200 inspirational musical professionals.

Now that demand has been halved and numerous jobs lost. Bringing in charging has not widened musical opportunities for young children — especially those from the poorest homes, and it has not maintained jobs either."

Bringing in charging has not widened musical opportunities for young children — especially those from the poorest homes, and it has not maintained jobs eitherRalph Riddiough

Fundamentally wrong

Ralph added: "Only 4 of the 32 local authorities in Scotland now provide free instrumental music services. It is fast becoming a service that only families with means can afford to enjoy — and that is fundamentally wrong in a country that is renowned worldwide for its education provision."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


dobcross

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Third Section

September 14 • Dobcross Silver strikes royal gold as they claim the Third Section honours.


arbroath

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Fourth Section

September 14 • The Fourth Section National title heads to Scotland with Arbroath & Carnoustie.


unite

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — First Section

September 13 • Unite the Union claims 'Checkmate' over their rivals to claim the First Section National title.


south Yorkshire Police

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Second Section

September 13 • South Yorkshire Police claim the first title of the Cheltenham weekend.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Longridge Band

September 13 • Longridge Band invite applications for a SOPRANO CORNET player. We are a friendly, committed band, who enjoy a good balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


James Garlick

BMus (Hons), QTS
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd