The promise of free music tuition for every school pupil in Scotland has now been fulfilled, according to a new report published by the Scottish Arts Council. The pledge was part of the Scottish Executives £37.5m Youth Music Initiative, launched in 2003, which required local authorities to deliver a years free music tuition to all children before they reach year six in school.
During the first three years, a total of 192 music projects have been delivered, 123 of which have included instrumental instruction, and 128 have included ensemble work. 108 of the projects provided tuition in Scottish traditional music, 86 in rock/pop and 124 in western classical music. The achievement was announced by Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson at a musical event delivered by pupils from Castleton Primary School in Glasgow (pictured).