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

MU members and Senedd candidates infront of an MU banner.

MU Members Meet Senedd Candidates to Highlight Music’s Role in Wales’s Economy and Communities

Welsh MU members met Labour Senedd candidates to discuss the future of the music industry in Wales, presenting the Union’s manifesto priorities for fair pay, strong public investment, and long-term sustainability across the sector ahead of the 7 May elections.

Published: 19 February 2026

Read more about MU Members Meet Senedd Candidates to Highlight Music’s Role in Wales’s Economy and Communities
The BBC Symphony Orchestra onstage at th BBC Proms. A huge crowd watches in a lit up room.

Protect Our BBC: Your Chance to Shape its Future

As the BBC Charter comes up for renewal, the MU is urging members to respond to the consultation and support the vital role the BBC plays in sustaining jobs, commissioning new work and underpinning the UK’s music industry. Use our template email to have your say before 10 March.

Published: 19 February 2026

Read more about Protect Our BBC: Your Chance to Shape its Future