Instrumental tuition – consultation begins on charging proposals

Orkney Islands Council is launching a consultation exercise today on proposals to introduce charges for instrumental tuition and the hire of musical instruments at the county’s schools.

A questionnaire will be sent to people with a direct connection to the Orkney Schools Instrumental Service – including parents, pupils, instrument instructors and music teachers. Anyone with an interest in the future of the service can also take part in the consultation via the council website.

The council needs to make £4 million in savings during 2011-12 and raised the possibility of introducing new charges for some council services during the Tough Times-Tough Choices engagement exercise.

According to an OIC spokeswoman, the majority of Scotland’s local authorities charge for instrumental tuition, at an average annual cost of £168 per pupil.

The OIC is proposing a charge of £150 per year for tuition and £40 for the annual hire of a musical instrument.