*
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    


Treize Etoiles

World Rankings: September update

September 21 • Treize Etoiles rise back to No.1, with Brighouse closing in after a second British Open win in four years.


Valaisia

Result: 2025 Besson Swiss Open

September 21 • Valaisia lays down the marker for their Swiss National defence as they retain the Swiss Open title in Luzern.


British Open

2026 Spring Festival test-pieces and judges announced

September 20 • The trio of works and the judges in the Grand Shield, Senior Cup and Senior Trophy have been confirmed by the Mortimer family.


NYBBGB

NYBBGB concert reprise this Friday

September 18 • You can sit back and enjoy a repeat of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's Summer Concert this Friday evening.


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Cheltenham Silver Band - Music from the Bandstand, Montpellier Gardens

Sunday 28 September • Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

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


Rockingham Brass Band

September 19 • Trombone Vacancy!. Yorkshire 3rd Section band in Barnsley seeks trombone players! Supportive, sociable band. Rehearsals Mon & Wed 19:45-21:45 at The Band Room, Rockingham Centre, Hoyland Common S74 0PY. Instrument can be provided


Rockingham Brass Band

September 19 • Soprano Cornet Vacancy!. We're a Yorkshire 3rd Section band in Barnsley with a soprano cornet seat available! Fun, friendly group. Rehearsals Mon & Wed, 19:45-21:45 at at The Band Room, Rockingham Centre, Hoyland Common S74 0PY.. Instrument can be provided


Rockingham Brass Band

September 19 • Back Row Cornet Vacancy!. Yorkshire 3rd Section band in Barnsley seeks cornet players! Friendly, welcoming group with team spirit. Rehearsals Mon & Wed 19:45-21:45 at The Band Room, Rockingham Centre, Hoyland Common S74 0PY.. Instrument can be provided


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd