A further £10 million is being invested in the Scottish Government’s hugely successful Youth Music Initiative, the Culture Secretary has confirmed.

Fiona Hyslop has formally announced the funding allocation for 2012-13. The Youth Music Initiative offers young people opportunities to get involved in music and supports more than 300 projects each year, covering all musical genres, age groups and teaching methods.

Speaking from Ullapool, where she visited a Fèis Rois workshop for senior pupils in traditional music and song, Ms Hyslop said today:

“At a time when Scotland is facing deep cuts in public spending imposed by the UK Government, my first priority has been to protect the provision of frontline services such as the Youth Music Initiative.

“By maintaining funding for this scheme, we are investing in Scotland’s young people. As well as fostering and developing their musical skills and unlocking their creative potential, the Youth Music Initiative teaches our young people to be innovative, resourceful, confident and responsible.

“Since its inception in 2003, it has been a great success, providing numerous opportunities for children and young people across Scotland to get involved in music. I am delighted to confirm that it is continuing for another year.”

The Youth Music Initiative is delivered by Creative Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Andrew Dixon, Chief Executive, Creative Scotland said:

“The Youth Music Initiative has given thousands of young people the opportunity to learn about and enjoy making music, either in school, or away from school. It’s a fantastic initiative and Creative Scotland will continue working with schools, tutors and professional musicians to ensure that Scotland’s creative future, our young people, are inspired to become musicians of the future.”

Fiona Dalgetty, Chief Executive of Fèis Rois, added:

“The Youth Music Initiative provides many young people with their first opportunity to engage in music-making. At Fèis Rois, we have seen primary school pupils who have had a block of Youth Music Initiative tuition in school then be inspired to join an after school class and then take part in residential music courses. There is a clear ladder of progression and it is wonderful to see these young people grow in confidence and develop a whole range of life skills, as well as musical skills.”

http://www.creativescotland.com/investment/investment-programmes/youth-music-initiative 

We are delighted to have the Scottish Music Centre as a sponsor of the MUSIC NEWS Scotland 'Latest News' Blog - please click above to view their website and see what services they can offer Scottish musicians

We are delighted to have the Musicians Union as a sponsor of the MUSIC NEWS Scotland 'Latest News' Blog - please click above to view their website and see what services they can offer Scottish musicians