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

Three wooden blocks with red icons painted on them.

MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise

A new EU customs charge on low-value parcels is creating additional costs and administrative challenges for musicians selling merchandise directly to fans in Europe. The MU will work to ensure musicians affected by the new legislation are represented at a stakeholder consultation later this year.

Published: 31 July 2026

Read more about MU Concerned by New EU Customs Fees for Artists Selling Merchandise
A brick wall with the flags of Spain and Gibraltar painted on it, overlapping each other.

Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians

New arrangements between Gibraltar and Spain will remove routine border checks for people crossing by land. While the agreement does not change existing rights to work in Spain or the EU, any time spent in Gibraltar will count towards musicians’ 90-day allowance for the Schengen area.

Published: 30 July 2026

Read more about Spain-Gibraltar Border Changes: What the New Agreement Means for Musicians
A pink sign being held up that says

Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords

Peers from across the political spectrum raised concerns about the Government’s proposed reforms to level 3 music qualifications, with ministers confirming that existing qualifications will remain in place until at least 2030 and announcing a new creative advisory board to help shape the reforms.

Published: 28 July 2026

Read more about Music Qualifications Reform Debated in House of Lords