More than 4,000 young people in Highland learning an instrument

8th October 2021

Photograph of More than 4,000 young people in Highland learning an instrument


More than 4,000 youngsters across the Highlands are now learning a musical instrument - the highest level since High Life Highland started lessons.

The charity began offering music lessons when the service transferred over in 2017 with 2,900 pupils.

Numbers peaked at 3,700 at the beginning of 2020, just as the pandemic struck.

HLH Head of Music Development Norman Bolton said: "Now that instructors can once again recruit pupils, and the announcement from Scottish Government that music tuition fees no longer apply, I'm delighted to say we've now exceeded 4,000 pupils.

"These numbers are very much due to the flexibility of our instructors, adopting a blend of in-person and online tuition.

"With these blended strategies we can reach some of our more remote schools for the first time.

“We were able to maintain a high level of access to tuition throughout lockdown thanks to the support from The Highland Council colleagues and our schools' IT infrastructure.

“We have been able to invest in some new instruments, and instructors are carefully working through the applications as demand increases."

High Life Highland has 49 music instructors who operate across most Highland schools.

The 4000th pupil was Joni, in P6 at Cromarty Primary, and will be having violin lessons with HLH Instructor Jan Anderson.

Cllr John Finlayson, Chair of Highland Council’s Education Committee said: “Learning a musical instrument is a life-long skill and passion that many young people enjoy throughout their lives into adulthood, including some who take it forward as a career.

“Demand has always been extremely high for music lessons in Highland schools and I am delighted with the excellent expansion and increase in the number of young people having access to music lessons through our partnership with High Life Highland.

“Music is part of the culture and very soul of the Highlands and it is great that we are able to develop and foster new talent among our own communities and schools."

HLH also offers the chance to learn from the comfort of your own home with evening classes for vocal and guitar tuition.

A new block of lessons are now available to book with more information at www.highlifehighland.com/music-tuition

Mr Bolton added: “Getting tuition back in place has been challenging but, I’m glad to say, successful.

“We are very much looking forward to getting extra-curricular school and area groups back to rehearsals, with the plan being to have the flagship Highland Young Musicians groups activities back in the picture by early 2022.

“We’ve made many changes to what we do and how we do it over the past couple of years and are all looking forward to exciting times ahead and some more wonderful music making in Highland schools and communities."

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Today : Local Authority

 
Eilidh Primrose is the New Highland Youth Convener

The Highlands has a new young people’s champion after confirmation that Eilidh Primrose has taken up the role of Highland Youth Convener for 2026-27.   Twenty-two-year-old Eilidh, who lives in Inverness, is the 18th person appointed to the position and has taken over from Leah McBain.  

1/9/2026 : Local Authority

What Changes in Highland Today? New Rules for Private Hire Drivers and a Fresh Garden Waste Year

For most people in Highland, 1 September is simply the start of another month.  But today also marks the beginning of two changes introduced by Highland Council which will affect different groups of residents.  

2/9/2026 : Local Authority

 
Candidates for Highland Council Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness By-Election confirmed

Following today’s deadline for nominations, The Highland Council can confirm the details of the 5 candidates that are standing in the Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness by-election.  There are 5 candidaes.  

31/8/2026 : Local Authority

Head Teacher at Thurso High School, outlined measures that have helped improve educational outcomes

Highland Council’s strategy to raise attainment in the region is making good progress, with encouraging early data emerging from this year's examination results.   Last week councillors on the education committee noted the work undertaken in Highland Council's Education and Learning Improvement Plan (ELIP) and the associated Raising Attainment and Achievement Strategy (RAAS).  

28/8/2026 : Local Authority

Council Funded Advice services assist 25,000 customers and exceed £30.3 million in financial gains

Almost 25,000 customers were assisted by the Council’s Welfare Support Team and Citizens Advice during 2025/26 for support with welfare, debt and housing issues.   As a result, financial gains for clients exceeded £30.3 million, representing a £18.84 return for every £1 allocated to these services by the Council.  

28/8/2026 : Local Authority

 
Do We Need a New Kind of Cemetery? Could Highland's Greenspaces Help Make Funerals More Affordable?

There may be no more appropriate time to ask Highland Council whether we need to rethink the way we remember those who have died.   The Council has just launched a six-week consultation on its draft Greenspace Biodiversity Management Strategy 2026-2030.  

26/8/2026 : Local Authority

The Triple Squeeze: Energy, Mortgages and Council Tax — How Much More Can Households Take?

There is a point at which individual increases in household costs stop being individual problems and become something much bigger.   A £100 increase in the annual energy bill may be manageable.  

24/8/2026 : Local Authority

Thurso Schools: Public Meeting and Statutory Consultation – Key Dates

Highland Council has now formally launched its statutory consultation on proposals to replace Thurso High School and reorganise primary school provision in the town.   The consultation concerns the proposed relocation of Thurso High School, Pennyland Primary School and Miller Academy Primary School to a new education campus based around the existing Thurso High School site and the proposed Community Point of Delivery.  

21/8/2026 : Local Authority

Public consultation to help shape future policy protecting Highland's dark skies

Councillors have approved the launch of a public consultation on draft guidance aimed at reducing light pollution across the Highlands, supporting environmental protection, public wellbeing and the area's internationally recognised dark skies.   Members of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee yesterday (Thursday 20 August) agreed to publish the draft Reducing Light Pollution: Good Practice Guidance for consultation, once minor clarifications are included, giving residents, communities, businesses and developers the opportunity to help shape future policy.  

21/8/2026 : Local Authority

Highland bus service improvement plans

The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee has endorsed plans to launch a 12-week public consultation on a proposed Highland Bus Service Improvement Partnership (BSIP), giving communities, passengers and stakeholders the opportunity to help shape the future of bus services across the region.   The consultation will seek views on draft proposals developed by The Highland Council in partnership with HITRANS and bus operators to improve the operational performance, accessibility, attractiveness and consistency of bus services across Highland.