PUPILS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS VOICE CONCERNS

This “Have Your Say: Dossier of Dissent” provides a selection of quotes from angry pupils, parents, teachers and professional musicians about cuts to musical instrument tuition.

Sixth year pupils: Steven Martin and Kirstie Devine
Former pupils: Marie-Clare Pless
Parents of pupils: Fiona Lovett, Jeni Thomson, Hazel O’Malley, Ian Pye
Parents of former pupils: Mr Fraser McDonald, Margaret Fegen
Teachers: Pauline Simm, Music tutor and RSNO member, Rebecca Roberts

Wendy said:

“I have received appeals from people from all over Scotland committed to resisting the ‘musical madness’ of halving instrument lessons in Renfrewshire. Many see the Renfrewshire cuts as the ‘thin edge of the wedge’ in making musical instrument tuition only available to those who can afford it. Parents, pupils, former pupils, professional musicians, RSNO performers – all ask the same question ‘why cut music tuition?’”

Wendy added:

“Some of the stories here are heartbreaking. As parents, pupils, teachers and musicians all testify: the opportunity to pursue a musical career should not depend on your wealth but on your talent.

If you would like to oppose these cuts please email me at wendy.alexander.msp@scottish.parliament.uk or signup to the online petition following link http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/rcmusic09/

It is time for Renfrewshire Council to admit it has got things wrong and go back to weekly lessons. Already parents in Renfrewshire pay £75 a year for their child to learn an instrument. Now the Council propose halving the number of lessons. If your lesson falls on an in-service day it could mean a lesson just once a month. Yet in neighbouring East Renfrewshire lessons are weekly.”

Renfrewshire’s historically strong musical tradition is now at risk. Renfrewshire Council should think again – consider the testimonies provided here and scrap the plan to halve the lessons. Already children are being told they will be unable to sit their instrument exams.”

Wendy said:

“We plan to present all representations received and the petition to Renfrewshire Council shortly, urging them to scrap the plans.”