The Government’s Instrumental Music Group has made 17 recommendations to build on current successes and Scotland’s position as a leading nation in music.

The report makes a number of recommendations including:

• There should be a general principle that individual circumstances should not be a barrier to access instrumental music tuition
• Authorities should review their charging policies and concessionary schemes to ensure that pupils in their area are not prevented from learning a musical instrument
• There should be greater collaboration between local authorities in the provision, purchase, repair and sharing of instruments and the delivery of instrumental music tuition
• Authorities should seek more sponsorship for instrumental music provision
• Research should be commissioned to examine the contribution of instrumental music learning to Scotland’s economy and culture and to  learning and development
• The 2003 guidance for instrumental teaching should be updated
• The Scottish Government should set up an Instrumental Music Implementation Group to deliver these recommendations.

Minister for Learning Dr Alasdair Allan said:

“Music plays a huge role in Scotland’s culture and life and every child should have the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument. Music has huge benefits for young people and it is an increasingly popular choice with an increase in uptake of 85 per cent in Higher Music over the last 12 years.

“The report recommends that authorities review their charging policies for instrumental music tuition associated with SQA exams. No student should be denied the chance to develop their musical talent due to their background or location. The removal of these charges will allow all pupils to enjoy the benefits of instrumental musical education and achieve qualifications without facing fees – just like every other qualification subject.

“This is good news as music and learning to play an instrument encourages creativity, builds confidence and promotes team work. That is why I offer my thanks to the Chair and the group members, councils and CoSLA for this report.”

David Green, Chairperson of the Group said:

“Music education generally, and instrumental music tuition in particular are an enjoyable as well as a fundamental gateway to lifelong learning bringing many social, economic and cultural benefits to Scotland.

“The evidence from the Group’s research has highlighted the wide variations between instrumental music policies in this discretionary service run by Local Authorities.  I hope that that our recommendations set the foundation for a National vision for music education based on clarity, transparency and fairness which maximises access and opportunities for all our youngsters irrespective of their background and location.”

Martin Prchal, the Vice-Principal of Royal Conservatoire The Hague and former Chief Executive of the European Association of Conservatoires said:

“Scotland is clearly leading the way internationally in providing access for young people to music education.  The impact of music education activities in the lives of young people cannot be underestimated: it supports their personal and artistic development, creates social cohesion and enhances learning skills in other education areas. The fact that Scotland is making this investment despite the global financial crisis is nothing less than remarkable.”

On December 16, 2012 the Scottish Government announced the formation of an Instrumental Music Group to examine the issues surrounding the provision of instrumental music tuition in schools. The Chair was asked to provide a report to Ministers by June 30, 2013.

The group met five times between January 31 and May 23, 2013 in five cities around Scotland.