Tampering with music tuition is not on

Published 14 Apr 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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I write as a successful recipient of music instruction from the Fife Education Service, and wish to urge members of Fife Council to reconsider their decision of February 14th.

In these uncertain times it is understandable that Councils throughout the country are looking carefully at their budgets.

It is, of course important that Councils also consider the long term impact of any cuts they consider making.

Some forward looking Councils in Scotland know and understand the value that Instrumental Music has in especially the new Curriculum for Excellence, where so many of the core values described can be achieved.

Some Councils acknowledge the results of data which show that, when SQA examination candidates who are taught within the instrumental music schemes are removed from the data, the QUALITY of ATTAINMENT is drastically reduced.

Surely, Fife Council will want to continue the quality of Music exam attainment levels achieved in Fife Schools.

Some forward looking Councils have already linked many of their musical activities to the Curriculum for Excellence, which emphasises the development of the whole child and the provision of rich and varied experiences, including opportunities to develop creativity and participate in the arts.

Fife has a great tradition of music making and is recognised as a leader in the field of Instrumental Music.

I urge Elected Members to consider extremely carefully the long term possibilities to music making within Fife Classrooms and beyond, and the almost guaranteed loss of QUALITY in ATTAINMENT in SQA Music Examinations should the work of Music Instructors be reduced within the Music Curriculum.

Some 60% of marks awarded within the Higher Still programme are for Practical Performance (50% at Standard Grade).

Many candidates are prepared during full class lessons by classroom teachers, but it is the quality of the candidates who are taught within the Instrumental Music system which makes the difference to QUALITY in ATTAINMENT.

This is not to say that the quality of the work in classrooms is not good, but the extra input of the Instrumental teacher is invaluable in the Music Curriculum.

There appears to be a tragic confusion from what I have read in the press regarding what Councillors believed they were voting for on February 14th.

Some councillors have publicly stated they thought they were voting for cuts in extra curricular activities such as area bands and orchestras, whereas in actual fact they have voted to cut the livelihoods of the team of instructors who are paid under the same budget heading.

It would also appear in this, the YEAR FIFE OF CULTURAL VANDALISM, that the Council has or is about to appoint(ed) Cultural Co-ordinators, the cost of which could well be similar to the cuts being made in the Music Service.

In conclusion, I urge the Elected Members to revisit this matter at the earliest possible moment.

Anyone who has a LOVE OF MUSIC would have to hold their head in shame if this travesty is allowed to proceed.

BRUCE FRASER.

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