An entire class of Moray primary school children have given their first public performance after taking part in an education experiment.
All 28 pupils in the P3 class at Millbank Primary School were provided with new violins and an instructor at the beginning of the academic year.
However, instead of just the Buckie students learning how to use the bow and strings, their teacher Maureen Butterly also took the weekly lessons.
The school was targeted for the scheme as a way of raising attainment and developing positive behaviour in the class.
And yesterday the initiative was hailed as a remarkable success with more than half the class signing up for permanent lessons – despite Moray having among the most expensive music sessions in Scotland.
Head teacher Rosemary Garrity said: “The effect has been really noticeable.
“Not only do the children enjoy playing their instruments but they are more alert, attentive and their behaviour is really good across the whole class.
“Bearing in mind this area is recognised under SIMD (Scottish index of multiple depravation) data, the long-term benefit to the children is that many have signed up to continue their music studies next year, which will clearly impact upon family budgets.”
The pupils have now given their first public performance at Buckie High School and yesterday received a rousing reception after playing Hot Cross Buns in unison.
Moray Council’s music instruction, which is charged at between £264 and £378 per year, has had participant numbers plummet in recent years due to increasing costs.
However, it is hoped that the initiative could be extended to other schools to lead to a more sustainable service.
The lessons were funded by the school’s allocation of pupil equity funding from the Scottish Government – which is given directly to head teachers to run projects in addition to regular lessons.
Moray Council’s head of music instruction, John Mustard, said: “Having Maureen undertake instruction at the same time, and her practising with the children outside of music lessons, is a take on the Japanese Suzuki method of learning.
“The method aims to create an environment for learning music which parallels the linguistic environment of acquiring a native language – adults and children learning together does produce results.”