Scottish government commits £9.5m to youth music

Scotland's Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has confirmed that the country's Youth Music Initiative (YMI) will receive £9.5m in funding this year.

The programme, which is administered by Creative Scotland and is now in its 20th year, enables schools and other organisations to provide quality music-making activities for children and young people, which range from after-school drum bands to courses in sound production.

Roberston said the announced funding includes £500,000 which has been ringfenced to deliver on a commitment to expand the YMI model into other art forms.

He said: "Music plays a vitally important role in young people’s lives, and beyond developing their wider skills and learning we know these kinds of activities also have a huge positive impact on their confidence and wellbeing.

"We are committed to ensuring every school pupil in Scotland can access a year of free music tuition by the time they leave primary school through the YMI, no matter their background.

"YMI is focused on creating opportunities for groups of children and young people who may not otherwise have the chance to participate in cultural activity."