Every P5 pupil in Moray benefiting from music tuition

EVERY Primary 5 pupil in Moray is benefitting from a year’s music tuition, thanks to funding from Creative Scotland.

The Youth Music Initiative sees every P5 in Moray’s primary schools learn the recorder or the ukulele.

Alison Gillies is one of four Youth Music Instructors in Moray and provides lessons within schools in Lossiemouth, Forres, Hopeman, Burghead and Speyside.

“This important initiative gives pupils the opportunity to experience playing an instrument, many of whom have never played before. As well as playing an instrument, they learn how to read music, which is a great head start if they continue to play and decide to take up an instrument like the flute or violin.

“It’s an inclusive project, so every pupil benefits, and they really enjoy it.”

Moray Council’s Acting Head of Instrumental Instruction, Alexander Davidson, said the benefits of YMI funding can be seen, and heard, in every P5 household across Moray.

“It provides every school pupil in Scotland the opportunity to experience and engage in meaningful, quality music making. Moray’s young people are not only being offered the chance to develop the foundation skills and knowledge they require to further their musical learning, but also to develop their self-confidence and teamworking skills.

“Many pupils feel inspired after P5 and continue instrumental lessons with the Instrumental Instruction Service – going on to achieve in the world of music, both in and out of the classroom.”

Moray Council’s Chair of Children & Young People’s Services Committee, Cllr Sonya Warren, said she is delighted to see the pupils embracing the opportunity.

“We have some really talented musicians who have been given the chance to learn an instrument, supported by our skilled music instructors; I’m so happy to see our primary five pupils enjoying learning to play an instrument and read music.

“For many, this is the first time they’ll have had this chance, and I hope it inspires them to enjoy many more years of music tuition.”

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.