*
banner

Free music tuition campaign hits first target

The campaign to seek a judicial review over the imposition of fees for music instrument tuition in state schools in Scotland has hit its first funding target.

Change the tune
  The campaign is seeking a judicial review of the decision to charge for music instrument tuition.

The campaign to try and ensure children in Scotland can receive free musical instrument tuition has hit its initial fund raising target of £15,000.

It will be used to pay for legal fees to fund the first steps towards a potential judicial review of the lawfulness of the fees in Scotland's state schools.

Breaking the law

The campaign believes that local authorities are breaking the law that requires state schools to provide education without charging fees.

It will now be able to engage the renowned legal team of Solicitor, Elaine Motion, and Advocate, Aidan O'Neill QC who have a formidable track record of judicial review of the Scottish Government including in relation to education matters.

Full aim

Campaign activist Ralph Riddiough, who is also giving his professional expertise free of charge told 4BR. "The fund has met its initial target and will now stay open to try and reach its full aim to help the case run all its way.

However, it's my hope that the strong representations the legal team will make before this gets to court will bring about a proper financial and political resolution that is so needed."

In a recent debate in Holyrood it was noted that the Scottish Government had stated that instrumental music tuition should be "provided free of charge".

The fund has met its initial target and will now stay open to try and reach its full aim to help the case run all its wayCampaign activist Ralph Riddiough

To help

To help the Crowd Justice fund raising, go to:

https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/changethetune/

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    


lINZ

European to offer full programme of attractions

April 14 • A celebration of youth, excellence, and musical diversity underpins the forthcoming European Championships in Linz — from competitions, concert and educators.


next

On demand service replays ConsTest action

April 14 • You can enjoy all the action from the recent ConsTest Birmingham Open and sign up not to miss the action at Fleetwood.


Brisbane Excelsior

Brisbane enjoy plaudits after National success

April 14 • Brisbane Excelsior Band has been congratulated by worldwide supporters following their victory at the recent Australian National Championships.


ECWO

Wind Orchestras prepare for their European Championships in Germany

April 14 • It will not only be brass bands battling for European honours this year.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 18 April • Hathersage Methodist Church . Main Road. Hathersage S32 1BB


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

April 15 • With the dust settling after the areas we are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION player to join us as we look to consolidate as a 1st Section Band.. Varied but realistic diary for the coming year and possible foreign trip in 2027. Rehearsals on a Wednesday


Linthwaite Band

April 15 • We are a welcoming 4th section band with a vacancy for a kit player. Our calendar is filling up with various contests and engagements to fulfil through the year.


Linthwaite Band

April 15 • We would like to find a tenor trombone player, position negotiable, to fill a current vacancy we have. As a 4th section contesting band, we have a various programme of contests and engagements to fill this year, and keep us busy.


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd