A PETITION has been put forward in an attempt to banish musical instrument tuition fees at schools.
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to change the law, the petition hopes to ensure tuition is available as of right to all state school pupils in Scotland who wish it, free of charge.
In East Renfrewshire, charges for lessons rose 25 per cent between 2015 and 2016, with annual fees rising from £200 per pupil to £250.
Tom Allan, treasurer of Barrhead Burgh Band and secretary of the Scottish Brass Band Association, said: “Without a doubt, more children would take up an instrument if the fees did not exist. In some cases when fees have risen, participation has gone down, so I agree with the petition.”
Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthursaid: “As a former musician and piano teacher, I know first-hand the benefits and importance of young people receiving music tuition.
“I was pleased to receive reassurances from the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs last month that she shares the concerns around decisions by some local authorities to reduce instrumental teaching services and increase tuition charges.”
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