Council secures funding to expand music opportunities for young people
Falkirk Council has secured more than £360,000 in funding from Creative Scotland's Youth Music Initiative (YMI) Formula Fund, providing a major boost for music education across the area over the next two years.
As part of a new, two-year funding commitment, the Council has been awarded £180,867 for 2026/27 and £180,867 for 2027/28 which will be used to support the Council's successful Youth Music Initiative programme.
The programme reaches around 2,500 children and young people across the Falkirk Council area every week through music activities in early learning centres, primary schools and additional support needs settings. This includes early years music sessions, school choirs, whole-class instrumental learning, nurture sessions, traditional music tuition and support for school performances, helping young people build confidence, creativity and a lifelong appreciation of music.
High-quality tuition
Over the next two years, the additional funding will allow the council to strengthen and further develop its nationally recognised traditional music programme. Plans include expanding traditional music outreach from 13 to 20 primary schools, resulting in every primary school cluster in the Council area having access to high-quality tuition in traditional instruments.
The investment will increase instrument availability, allowing even more children to take part, while supporting the continued growth of the successful Carrongrange Traditional Bands programme.
The council's Foundations of Music programme, which has provided weekly music sessions to thousands of primary pupils over the past three years, will also benefit from the additional funding ensuring music continues to play a key role in supporting learning, confidence and wellbeing for children across Falkirk.
Falkirk Council Leader Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn said:
This funding is fantastic news for children and young people across Falkirk. Music has the power to inspire, build confidence and bring communities together, and our Youth Music Initiative continues to make a real difference to thousands of young people every week.
"The move to a two-year funding model is particularly welcome as it gives our talented music team greater stability to develop the programme, invest in new opportunities and reach even more children. I'm especially pleased that we will be able to expand our highly regarded traditional music programme, ensuring more young people across Falkirk can experience and enjoy Scotland's rich musical heritage.
"I’d like to thank Creative Scotland for their continued investment which will help ensure high-quality, accessible music education remains available to our children and young people across the Falkirk area. I would also like to thank our dedicated tutors, staff and partners whose passion and commitment help make these opportunities possible.
As the programme enters its next phase, the Council will also be celebrating the 20th anniversary of traditional music in Falkirk, with a special concert planned later this year showcasing the achievements of young musicians and the success of the programme.