skip to main content

Save Midlothian Music Service Demo

A demo will be taking place on Tuesday 31 January against planned cuts that will see pupils in Primary 6 and 7, and in S1-S3 no longer having access to music lessons.

Published: 27 January 2023 | 12:00 PM Updated: 27 January 2023 | 12:40 PM
Picture of a wooden recorder against a bright pink background.
“Please join us in standing with the teachers, parents, pupils and everyone who cares about the survival of instrumental music in schools.” Photo credit: Shutterstock

Following the deeply concerning announcement from Midlothian Council on their proposed plans to cut the Instrumental Music Service by 60%, there will be a demonstration outside Council HQ on Tuesday 31 January at 10:30 am, taking place whilst the council meet to discuss these plans.

These proposals would mean that pupils in Primary 6 and 7, and in S1-S3 would no longer have access to music lessons resulting in students either learning an instrument from scratch as late as fourth year, or parents having to pay for private tuition. This flies in the face of Scottish Government commitments to eradicate charges for instrumental music lessons in school as a flagship policy of their manifesto.

MU Regional Organiser for Scotland & Northern Ireland Caroline Sewell is encouraging members to join the protest where possible,

“Please join us in standing with the teachers, parents, pupils and everyone who cares about the survival of instrumental music in schools. LETS MAKE SOME NOISE!!”

When: Tuesday 31 January, 10:30 am

Where: Midlothian House, 40-46 Buccleuch St, Dalkeith EH22 1DN

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

A collection of bright tealight flames against a dark background.

MU Condemns Manchester Synagogue Attack

The MU stands in solidarity with Jewish communities, and reaffirms its commitment to opposing discrimination, prejudice and hatred in all their forms.

Published: 02 October 2025

Read more about MU Condemns Manchester Synagogue Attack
Bridget Phillipson visits the MU stand at Labour Party Conference 2025

The Musicians’ Union at Labour Party Conference

The MU has been at Labour Party Conference this week asking the Government to ensure that musicians are fairly paid in relation to artificial intelligence (AI) and music streaming.

Published: 30 September 2025

Read more about The Musicians’ Union at Labour Party Conference