Jo de Sylva: 'The very core of artistic expression in the Highlands is in great jeopardy'
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The co-owner of MacGregor's at the Ben in Golspie fears that a new generation of musician may not get the chance to discover their talent due to the cuts
If I were to tell you your child’s education in terms of enhancing intelligence, their ability to socialise, their learning ability, co-ordination and self esteem were all at risk with new policies, cuts and price increases from Highland council I’d like to think you’d be horrified.
If I were to say that the very core of what brings visitors and tourists to the Highlands was at risk of being snuffed out in one fell swoop, all those, 1 in 4 of us, whose livelihood depends on tourists and visitors would be disgusted.
If the proposed huge increases in music tuition from High Life Highland, due to massive price hikes for venues by Highland Council, and the cuts to music teachers in at least one secondary school is anything to go by, it would seem that the very core of artistic expression in the Highlands is in great jeopardy.
We know that the majority of people who come to the Highlands come for the scenery, the music and the food.
We entertain hundreds of thousands of people every year, who come to enjoy the traditional music that is so incredibly special to the Highlands, and if these proposed cuts happen, where does that leave us.
The music of the Highlands is important for many reasons. It tells the story of who we are and where we came from. It’s at the very core of our history and our own identity.
Our music tutors are passionate about their craft. They teach not only the notes that children play, but the stories behind the tunes and songs they learn.
We know that we create incredible musicians. Just look at how many children go on to the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow, or go on to play professionally. There are even those who, whilst not playing music for monetary reward, take great pleasure in loosing themselves to music for a little while, be that playing alone, at a local session or in a band.
Look at the incredible musicians from the Highlands that have made the world a greater place musically. Julie Fowlis, the Gaelic singer whose beautiful voice has been heard across the world in the Disney film Brave, and who continues to tour, taking her haunting Gaelic songs to new audiences every time she steps on stage.
The Elephant Sessions, the band brought up in tradition, but now stretching the boundaries and taking America by storm with their own take on traditional music.
Duncan Chisholm whose most recent album ‘Black Cuillin’ is selling out concert halls wherever it goes, and Bruce MacGregor, the mastermind behind Blazin Fiddles, put together over 25 years ago to ensure the tunes of the Highlands were not forgotten. The band continue to play and teach across the world taking the unique musical style of the Highlands to thousands every year. The list goes on and on.
Every single one of those musicians began their tuition as children.
We see children change when they discover music. We see wallflowers blossom when they suddenly realise they have a voice, be that through an instrument or song.
The universal value of music, especially in an area where music is so incredibly important, should be encouraged, not stifled by the monetary decisions of councils.
When I look around Inverness and see vanity projects that have had hundreds of thousands spent on them, then look at the value placed on music tuition I despair that we have lost any understanding of how important music is to our children, our culture and our day to day lives.
Next time you turn on the radio, or turn on Spotify, imagine hearing silence because of the short sighted priorities of those in power.
We must ensure that music remains at the core of education for children and every one of us has a responsibility to ensure that children continue to pass on our songs, tunes and stories for generations to come.
