skip to main content
Search

Midlothian Council Propose Drastic Cuts to Instrumental Music Service

The MU are urging members affected to contact their regional office, following the hugely concerning news that Midlothian Council plans to reduce their instrumental music service by 60%.

Published: 24 January 2023 | 10:35 AM
Abstract close up of a cello bridge, throwing an interesting shaped shadow on a sunny lit floor.
We understand that the proposals outline plans to reduce the instrumental music service by 60%. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The MU are hugely concerned by proposals from Midlothian Council detailing plans to drastically cut the Instrumental Music Service. This comes as part of the councils efforts to close a £14.481 million funding gap.

Whilst we have not yet received the impact statement, we understand that the proposals outline plans to reduce the instrumental music service by 60%, and implement a service operated only by the funding received from the Scottish Government.

Read the Midlothian Council’s saving proposals in full.

We urge any MU members who have been affected to contact the regional office by emailing glasgow@TheMU.org.

See all news

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

David playing oboe at a rehearsal.

Tribute to David Presly

David Presly was an MU member for 54 years, and his distinguished orchestral career, adventurous spirit and enduring sense of humour made him a much-loved figure within the profession. This tribute has been written by David's colleague and friend, Alan.

Published: 25 September 2026

Read more about Tribute to David Presly
Selfie of Harry wearing headphones and smiling next to his friend and colleague, trumpeter Matt Roberts.

Tribute to Harry Brown

Friends and colleagues pay tribute to Harry Brown, an acclaimed trombonist, educator and mentor whose extraordinary musical career was matched by his generosity, encouragement and unwavering support for others.

Published: 25 September 2026

Read more about Tribute to Harry Brown
Exterior of the music building. It is a beige square building with a large sign on it that says

Support Staff and Music Education at Goldsmiths

Staff at Goldsmiths, University of London, including colleagues in the Music Department, are taking sustained strike action over proposed cuts and redundancies, amid wider pressures facing music provision in UK higher education.

Published: 24 September 2026

Read more about Support Staff and Music Education at Goldsmiths
All news and features