Music tuition cuts row rages on
Unpopular plans to significantly slash Fife's music tuition budget have come under fire again.
- By Craig McManamon
- Published in the Courier : 01.09.10
- Published online : 01.09.10 @ 11.18am
Conservative councillor Ron Caird contacted The Courier following the recent education committee meeting, where he says he was "not afforded the courtesy" of expressing his view and asking questions on the matter.
The claim is disputed by committee chairman Councillor Douglas Chapman, who said the issue was not even on the agenda.
Fife Council has taken the controversial step of cutting its music tuition budget by 25%. The move came as the authority attempts to fill a budget gap which is expected to reach nearly £120 million by 2014/15.
Targeting music tuition has left many teachers and pupils up in arms.
Mr Caird said, "Fife is renowned for the excellence of its music instruction and the telling effect this has on pupils' lives and future careers.
"There is a distinct lack of clarity as to what the future holds for the service since Douglas Chapman talks of assessing the impact of the cut and what other opportunities can be found.
"That is a very nebulous statement which must further undermine confidence among teachers."
He claimed learning to play a musical instrument was a beneficial discipline for young Fifers — and is keen to ensure this opportunity remains.
"It is a perfect fit in the Curriculum for Excellence, producing successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors," he said.
"There is clear evidence that playing an instrument keeps pupils in focus, enhances mental agility, promotes teamwork and encourages harmonious interaction with their peers and others."
The remarks received a frosty reception from Mr Chapman, who thanked the elected official for "stating the obvious."
"What was not so obvious was why Councillor Caird raised this when it was not even an issue on the education committee agenda," he said.
"As convener of the education committee I take pride in being fair to all members, irrespective of the party allegiance. If Councillor Caird takes his time to think about it I am sure he'll come to the conclusion that I have always given him an appropriate amount of time to ask questions and put forward his views.
"What I cannot allow, however, is a discussion about a matter not covered in the agenda and I am certain that is the usual way of things, even in the Conservative Party."
In addition to reducing the tuition spend by 25% this year, the authority also intended making the same percentage cut next April. However, in recent weeks this plan came under doubt after Mr Chapman confirmed next year's expected cut was not a done deal.
Photo used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user Andy Buscemi.
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