Stirling Council has recently proposed to cut the funding of their music service by £250,000. If approved by councillors, this would effectively mean the end of over sixty years of instrumental and vocal teaching in primary and secondary schools across the council area. Opportunities for young people to participate in local authority youth orchestras, bands, choirs and other ensembles would also be lost, and only a much restricted and reduced offer to pupils wishing to sit SQA music exams would be available in Stirling's schools.

Independent academic research has proven that children receiving instrumental or vocal lessons display heightened literacy, numeracy and social skills. They also gain greater confidence and resilience through their learning. All of these things have a positive effect on young peoples' mental health.

We urge Stirling Council to reconsider and withdraw this damaging and ill-conceived proposal. Instrumental and vocal education must be allowed to continue in all of Stirling's schools.