FOI/202600518822 · FOI · released
Free instrumental music tuition in schools: FOI release
Information requested
I am requesting the release of the research undertaken by Dr Graham Smillie on behalf of MEPG into “the impact of free musical education in schools” and/or “the impact of the removal by the current Scottish Parliament of fees for instrumental tuition”.
This research is referred to in the Scottish Parliament Cross-Party Group on Music minutes of 9 October 2024, which state that Dr Graham Smillie was carrying out research on MEPG’s behalf on the impact of free musical education in schools. The issue is also referred to in subsequent Cross-Party Group discussion.
For the avoidance of doubt, I am requesting:
1. the final report, findings, recommendations, summary report, interim report, draft report, or any substantially similar document arising from this research;
2. any Scottish Government briefing papers, ministerial submissions, advice, options appraisals, implementation papers, or policy documents referring to this research;
3. any correspondence between the Scottish Government, MEPG/We Make Music Scotland, Dr Graham Smillie, local authorities, COSLA, ADES, Education Scotland, Creative Scotland, or GTCS concerning this research;
4. any minutes, agendas, meeting notes, action points or papers from meetings where this research, free instrumental music tuition, mainstreaming instrumental music education, or GTCS registration for Instrumental Music Teachers was discussed; 5. any documents setting out next steps, policy implications, publication plans, or implementation routes arising from this research.
Response
I enclose a copy of all of the information you requested in PDF format attached to this email.
The answer to your question can also be found at the MEPG website with the following hyperlinks: WMMN - Full Report - FINAL 24 June 2026, WMMN-Executive-Summary.pdf, WMMN-Summary-Report.pdf
About FOI
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