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19th March 2013
Dear Deputy Ryan,
I write on behalf of my committee and members of the Friends of Jersey Youth Music with regard to the proposals to introduce a charging structure for the tuition of pupils within the Jersey Music Service.
The comprehensive and inclusive education of our children is, without doubt, one of the most important services our government must provide to ensure the stability and growth of the diverse, economic and cultural Island we now have the privilege to enjoy.
Music of any calibre is a vehicle for the enjoyment, participation and development of children of all ages regardless of their ethnicity and economic constraints. Its transcends all barriers and competitive achievements allowing children of all abilities to take part in an activity they enjoy and can continue into adult life enriching their lives and those around them.
Introducing charges for the Jersey Music Service is a brave step to embrace given that it has been a free service since its inception. FoJYM was created for the specific purpose to support the Jersey Instrumental Service providing funding for instruments, music, training, uniforms or ensemble trips to the UK and Europe.
We are all now in an economic environment whereby brave and resolute changes are needed to continue the services provided across the States of Jersey spectrum. Original and new thought is to be applied to continue and enhance the services provided.
FoJYM has limited resources but fully endorse the efforts being made to provide musical education for all the children in our Island by the Jersey Music Service.
We are keen to support Dr. Cox and his dedicated team with the proposals that are before you to introduce an affordable charging system for all the children in Jersey. It is hoped that you will take the matter forward to your colleagues and elected members of the States of Jersey for debate and enactment in the near future.
We fully endorse the notion of charges on a means tested basis that will produce income solely for the Music Service thus negating the need to reduce the current services on offer at present. Enhancement and inclusion will be the product of the proposals.
The minimal charges for tuition proposed should not be a burden for any family in Jersey with the support of a means test. All children in Jersey could now be in a position to join the Music Service regardless of the primary or secondary school they attend.
As you will be aware there are many anecdotal reports and articles in the UK national press and education supplements about charging for music tuition in schools. I find the vast majority of these reports from the Highlands of Scotland to counties of Devon and Dorset are positive and prove that the systems, when properly applied, do work in favour of the children and those who provide the expertise.
One only has to look across the water to the music service at Poole in Dorset to discover what they have achieved by the introduction of charges not only for tuition but the hire and lease of instruments. A vibrant, inclusive and life enhancing experience has been created solely by children learning play musical instruments or develop their singing voices.
I do hope that you and your family, your committee and their families, some of whom benefit from the Jersey Music Service, will be able to attend the Spring Concert on the 23rd of March.
The fun and enjoyment several hundred children of all ages from across all sections of our community produce is staggering and a complete pleasure and privilege to be involved with.
Yours sincerely
Keith Sunter BA Hons Mus., Dip Mus., Dip Eur Hum. Chairman Friends of Jersey Youth Music Committee