Emma Quinn, principal of Rathcoole Primary School in Newtownabbey, told the Belfast Telegraph that she was worried sick about the planned removal of free music tuition. These new fees are set to go into effect January 2024. She speaks on the importance of music education to a child’s overall development, it develops the whole child. Quinn points out that music has long been woven into the fabric of Rathcoole Primary’s identity.
The Education Authority (EA) music service had some brilliant news! Close to 13,000 students registered for music classes in the 2024/25 school year. Of these, around 1,400 students eligible for free school meals used the service. Quinn explains that increasing costs associated with music programs are an insurmountable barrier for many families. This growing trend has the potential to limit them from gaining important real-world educative experiences.
“In past years we have provided fully funded music lessons by the EA music service, including payment of full lessons, instruments and more,” Quinn stated. She raised significant concerns about the proposed fee increase. That would make music education a privilege available only to families who can afford it.
We have Fiona Kane, principal of St Ronan’s College in Lurgan running scared. She argues that availability of literature, theatre, museums and music have the most profound effect on positive life trajectories for children. She says that the idea of raising music tuition and instrument hire by 22% is “deeply concerning.” This worry falls particularly heavy amid the current cost-of-living crisis, which is limiting so many families’ opportunities to engage with the arts.
At the moment, we estimate that most instruments would cost high £50s a year for schools and pupils to rent. Under the new proposal, children entitled to free school meals will still receive a discount of 70% on music lessons and instrument hire. This shift represents a halfway point between the previous fully funded model we’re used to. Now, educators are concerned that students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, will suffer.
“This situation will no doubt place a further financial strain on families and in some cases those furthest from opportunity,” Kane remarked. She pointed out that this is already difficult for most families to access, let alone those with low incomes or in underserved communities. This fee increase sends a dangerous, misguided message to young musicians everywhere — that only the wealthiest students can afford access to quality music education.
Quinn concurs with Kane’s assessment, stating, “To develop the child as a whole, we must not lose these services due to a hiking cost.” Together, both principals call on the Education Authority to rethink this unfortunate proposal and reconsider how this decision could impact students in the future.
“I urge the Education Authority to reflect and reconsider this proposal.” – Fiona Kane
As such, Kane encourages investment into arts education rather than defunding it through budget cuts. She is passionate about ensuring that every child has access to these vital opportunities. In fact, these opportunities play a critical role in their health, well-being and educational achievement!
“Music and the arts are not luxuries; they are integral to health, wellbeing, and educational success.” – Fiona Kane
The legacy of what both Quinn and Kane worry about underscores a greater issue facing school funding in underserved communities. Neighbourhood Renewal neighbourhoods were identified in 2003 as needing additional support. With each passing year, surging costs are making these resources look even more paltry.
