Equal access to music is about who we are as a community. We want more, not less, diversity in the stories we tell and are told. Photo credit: Shutterstock
The council are launching a “full consultation” on its future ahead of proposed cuts of £150,000 in 2021/22 and £350,000 in 2022/23. The MU objects to this proposal, and to the introduction of any charges or other barriers to access.
The MU opened a petition yesterday, calling on the City of Edinburgh council to save our instrumental music service. Members are encouraged to sign and share, building our collective call to let every child learn music.
Musicians in and around Edinburgh will also be gathering outside Edinburgh City Chambers on the High Street this morning (Friday, 14 February), to create a flash mob in support of Edinburgh’s instrumental music service.
Why is protecting Edinburgh’s instrumental music service so important?
Over 40% of those from low-income families say music lessons are beyond their household budgets.
MU research shows that families with a total household income of less than £28,000 are half as likely to have a child learning an instrument as more affluent peers with a family income of £48,000 or more – despite similar levels of interest from both groups of children.
Music should be available and attainable for all, whether they are the next Lewis Capaldi, Nicola Benedetti or Primal Scream, or they just want to try something new.
There is plenty of evidence that shows the benefits of music beyond art for art’s sake, and its value to the UK economy (£5.2 billion).
Music has been shown to boost attainment in schools, and positively impact a child’s cognitive abilities as well as social and emotional development.
It’s also about who we are as a community. We want more, not less, diversity in the stories we tell and are told.
How you can get involved
- Sign our petition, calling City of Edinburgh Council to save our music service ahead of their full consultation on its future
- Share the petition with colleagues, friends and family. And share with a wider reach by using social media channels such as Twitter, Facebook or Instagram
- If you’re not a member of the MU, stay up to date with our campaign developments and future actions to protect the music industry by signing up as a supporter for free.