Context

Scottish music is world renowned for the highest quality and for its innovative and interactive use of technology.  Enterprise and creativity are key drivers in an industry that is predominantly self-employed.  We are actively involved in music throughout Scotland supporting musicians, composers, labels and promoters from all musical backgrounds.

We have clear priorities for supporting and developing Scotland’s music, both nationally and internationally through: supporting the musician; promoting the music they create and perform; and enabling the widest distribution and access to it.

Through the Youth Music Initiative (YMI), we are also nurturing Scotland’s talent of the future; expanding and strengthening the early building blocks of a young person’s musical experience; and creating a clearer articulation to the music industry. The Youth Music initiative has three key aims:

1. provision of high quality music making programmes particularly for young people that would not normally access music activities;
2. developing a cohesive national infrastructure for the youth music sector;
3. supporting and developing the workforce.

Music can play a critical role in the development of young people – not simply in encouraging creativity, but in building confidence, self-esteem and emotional well-being. Music matters: it matters to young people who define themselves through their musical choices; it matters to the dedicated tutors and volunteers who inspire achievement and excellence; it matters to our community and cultural identities; and it matters to the continuation of a vibrant Scottish music industry.

Budget The music department’s budget for 2009/10 is £5.17 million which includes £1.90 million committed to nine Foundation Organisations and £1.59 million committed to 16 Flexibly Funded Organisations.  In addition, the Scottish Government has invested £10 million for the Youth Music Initiative. For information about our funding schemes, please visit our Funding section.