Nearly 30,000 more students benefit from free music tuition

The number of students learning an instrument has increased by almost 30,000 since the abolition of fees for music lessons in schools.

A new report shows that annual investment of up to £12 million from the Scottish Government to fund free instrumental music tuition has seen participants increase to more than 70,000 since 2021.

Those involved in Scotland’s Instrumental Music Service believed playing a musical instrument supported better attendance, attainment and behaviour in schools.

The We Make Music Now research findings highlights:

• an increase in instrumental music learners from 41,594 in 2020-21 to 70,075 in 2024-25 – around 10.1% of the eligible school roll
• highest participation between Primary 5 and S1 pupils in many areas, often attributed to large-scale music-making projects
• playing an instrument helped young people with social anxiety and other mental health challenges
• music departments are viewed as a “safe space” by learners, where they feel supported within school

The Scottish Government funds Grant Aided Schools and all 32 local authorities to support free instrument tuition. The report identified some challenges, including waiting lists in certain local authority areas, lower representation from more deprived areas and fewer performance opportunities for young musicians in rural areas.

Education and Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan said:

“The Scottish Government has transformed instrumental music tuition in Scotland’s schools by funding councils to eradicate unfair charges. All children should have the opportunity to take part in instrumental music as a core element of education, without being limited by a family’s ability to pay.

“This report reveals the wide-ranging benefits of providing opportunities to all – not only in developing new skills but in growing confidence, supporting mental health and creating a sense of belonging.

“We will continue to work with COSLA and the music education sector to ensure an inclusive approach to music tuition that addresses potential barriers to participation.”

Chair of the Music Education Partnership Group (MEPG) Board Ian Mills said:

“The We Make Music Now research demonstrates the initial successes of the commitment made to ensure the provision of free instrumental music instruction in schools.

“As well as the successes, there are undoubted challenges and areas for growth raised in the work.

“MEPG looks forward to supporting local authority music services and the Scottish Government in considering the recommendations made in the report to ensure that pupils are gaining maximum benefit from the government’s investment in music.”

Background

The We Make Music Now report was part-funded by the Scottish Government and conducted by MEPG between March 2024 and June 2025. It included feedback from 485 participants including learners, parents, instructors and headteachers.

In addition to funding provided for the Instrumental Music Service, the Scottish Government’s wide-ranging investment and support for music education in schools and in the community includes long-standing investment of over £175 million since 2007 in the Youth Music Initiative which has helped young people across Scotland access music making opportunities and develop their wider skills and learning. Investment in four national centres for excellence for music allows pupils to receive expert tuition in their specialism alongside their peers while accessing the full school curriculum.

Support has also been provided to Sistema Scotland since 2012 to deliver its Big Noise projects, which offer children and young people access to music making opportunities.