Councillors today (Tuesday 17 September) voted for even more opportunities for Aberdeen’s budding young musicians to benefit from free tuition and live performance.
The decision taken at the Education and Children’s Services committee followed discussion of a report which detailed in glowing terms the ongoing positive impacts of free music tuition for pupils provided by Aberdeen City Council’s Music Service.
Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “It is very reassuring to know that music activity is expanding in schools right across the city. The Music Centre is making a positive difference by extending access to participation and enjoyment of music.
“It is great that more and more pupils are able to improve their skills by learning, playing and singing together. These opportunities for cultural and social activity give so many benefits for personal and social wellbeing.”
Vice Convener, Councillor Jessica Mennie, said: “Our commitment to the further expansion of the Music Service and free music tuition to all children and young people in the city is really bearing fruit as this report confirms.
“It’s not just the things we can quantify such as an increasing number of events, opportunities and participants that is so encouraging but also the intangibles such as the sheer joy playing music can bring to young people.”
The report highlighted some the musical achievements over the last 12 months, including:
- A video of the hugely popular Aberdeen Big Sing 2024 concert in Duthie Park was shown to the committee;
- An increase in entrants for the Scottish Young Musician regional competition from 30 previously to 67 this year with the Music Service introducing a junior event to prepare younger pupils for taking part. The winner of the senior competition had the opportunity to compete in the national final at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland;
- Establishing both Festive and Spring concerts in the calendar offering opportunities for Music Service pupils to be joined by in performance by peers from Aberdeen City Music School and tee Scottish Culture and Traditions Youth Ensemble which allowed less experienced learners to be inspired by more advanced students;
- Traditional music tutors spending a week ‘in residence’ at St Peter’s School, Ashley Road School, Riverbank School, Cornhill School and Sunnybank School, giving pupils the opportunity to learn the penny whistle, clarsach, traditional guitar and Scots song;
- A new ensemble, named Folk Collective, where children who play any instrument are invited to learn traditional tunes from Scotland and further afield.
The success of the Music Service was reflected in the positive comments of the pupil’s parents which included:
“My child has made great progress and I appreciate all the effort that you have put in.”
“The organisation of many events has been fantastic and my child’s Music Instructor is wonderful.”
“The opportunity to play as part of an ensemble has inspired them to play again, and practise more.”
“Setting up of parents evening was an excellent move forwards.”
“My son truly enjoyed playing clarinet during school sessions and band practice. It’s lovely to see his confidence build up. Keep offering the services to all kids as they love it.”
Future plans for the Music Service include:
- The 2025 Big Sing event including singing in other languages with a theme and specially commissioned new composition linked to the Tall Ships Race which visits Aberdeen next year;
- Increasing and maintaining the number of children learning instruments that are considered to be ‘rare’/’shortage’, such as French horn, double bass, oboe and bassoon in order to create balanced ensembles;
- Many ensembles running on a weekly basis with the re-introduction of Music Centre activities on Saturdays which will be a significant increase in the number of rehearsals in comparison to the 2023-24 session;
- The Music Service is putting measures in place to provide further support for pupils transitioning to secondary school, and help them maintain learning an instrument;
- An increase in the number of teaching hours provided in Orchard Brae School and Aberdeen School for the Deaf with new options for children to receive vocal and woodwind instruction.
Photograph is of the Aberdeen Big Sing 2024 event held in May at the Duthie Park.