LOCAL authorities will be fundamental in destroying an essential life skill for all children in Scotland if they pursue their ill-advised policy to cut free music tuition in schools ("In unison: call for free school music tuition", The Herald, February 2).

As a retired principal teacher of music who taught in an area of considerable social deprivation, I experienced first hand the benefits of free music tuition to students; not least of all the rise in their attainment levels across the curriculum.

With the advent of Standard Grade in the early 1990s the corridors in many a school resounded to the sound of music. The floodgates opened and music tuition became accessible to all and not just the privileged few. Learning a musical instrument, singing in a choir or performing in a school show or concert was considered "cool". Participation in these all-inclusive cultural skills had an enormous social impact and realisation of achievement among young people and many a new career path opened.

The challenge to local authorities is to retain free music tuition in schools and enhance core educational provision or remove it and deny young people the opportunity to experience the creative and cultural skills music has to offer. Make the right choice. Scotland’s cultural heritage demands no less.

Rhona Gourley,

2 St Beya Gardens, Millport.