An MSP says cuts in music tuition in local schools have resulted in a ”map of deprivation.”
Jenny Marra was speaking out after Scots violinist Nicola Benedetti, who opened the main stage at T in the Park on Sunday, criticised the lack of tuition for children in Scottish schools.
Benedetti said: ”Decisions have been made, especially in the light of funding cuts, that are, I think, catastrophic to our future as a nation.”
The music star, who first had violin lessons at the age of five and left home at 10 to attend the prestigious Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey, added: ”Now, more than ever, we need a cultural identity for youth in this country.”
In response, Dundee-based MSP Ms Marra said: ”Nicola Benedetti is 100% right. It is very short-sighted to cut music tuition.
“Dundee City Council cut £47,000 from music tuition this year. That means one-to-one music lessons can’t start until Primary 5 now, when they used to start in Primary 4. Nicola Benedetti herself started playing in Primary 1.
”If we value the confidence and opportunities music and sport bring to children, then we must get serious about investing in tuition and facilities and starting them early enough for the children to excel.
”At the moment in Dundee, musical tuition is like a map of deprivation. At Forthill Primary School, 83 children learn an instrument, whereas in Sidlaw View, only four children get this chance, six in Charleston and eight in Lochee.
”Teachers tell me they want more musical opportunities for children. Nicola Benedetti is right. We should be making these opportunities a priority not cutting the children’s chance to flourish.”
Dundee musician Ged Grimes, bass player with Simple Minds who played T in the Park on Saturday, added his voice to the issue.
”I’ve met Jenny a couple of times and we’ve spoken about the El Sistema project.
”I think with the cuts that have been made, it’s atrocious because if kids can get involved in music from an early age it benefits them hugely in terms of playing ability and confidence.
”The El Sistema project has really helped the community in Raploch in Stirling and anything I can do to help Jenny’s quest to bring it to Dundee I’ll be glad to do.”