If approved by councillors, three full-time teaching posts will be axed along with reduced access to instrumental education for pupils as the council looks to save £272k per annum.
An online petition has now been set-up by concerned parents who say only those with disposable income will be able to afford private music lessons if the cuts are allowed to go ahead.
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One parent told the Glasgow Times: “Councillors need to think realistically about who this is going to impact the most. The reality is it will be low income families whose children will not be afforded the same opportunities as those who can fund private tuition.
“If families can’t afford to buy instruments and kids are losing out on access to lessons, then this is going to have a real impact on pupils wishing to sit SQA music exams in South Lanarkshire as part of their school curriculum.
“It will inevitably result in fewer opportunities for young people to participate in local authority youth orchestras, form bands, join choirs or other ensembles.”
Another parent says his child is worried that the moves could impact on his hope to forge a career in music.
He added: “My child just started playing the piano and he was delighted to get the chance to do so.
“He wants to try and work in that field when he is older and is very concerned about the prospect of that opportunity being taken away from him.”
Independent academic research has proven that children from different social backgrounds receiving instrumental or vocal lessons display heightened literacy, numeracy and social skills. It also shows being exposed to music improves young people’s mental health.
Another dad, who lives in Uddingston, says there is a groundswell of opposition to the proposals.
He added: “We are urging South Lanarkshire Council to reconsider and withdraw this damaging proposal. Current levels of instrumental and vocal music education must be allowed to continue in all South Lanarkshire schools.”
The petition, which is being hosted on Change.org, has already garnered almost 4,000 signatures – with the parents behind it planning to deliver it themselves to bosses at the local authority.
Council chiefs told the Glasgow Times today that a final decision has yet to be made.
Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Resources, Jackie Taylor, said: “As with all local authorities, the council is once again facing some difficult choices to ensure we can balance our budget for next year.
“In line with practice in recent years, council officers have delivered options for elected members to consider as they work to agree a budget for 2025-26.
Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Resources, Jackie Taylor. (Image: South Lanarkshire Council) “To be clear, no decisions have been taken yet, and among the factors that will be considered is the amount of the grant the council will receive from the Scottish Government. Further details on this will be shared with elected members.
“In the meantime, the council’s extensive public consultation exercise on the budget for 2025-26 has now concluded, and we thank all of those who took part. Their voices have been heard and will form a crucial part of the difficult decision-making that lies ahead.”
