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 have clear priorities for music: to support the musician, promote all music they create and perform and enable the widest distribution and access to it.

This is also embodied in the Youth Music Initiative (YMI) which provides access, participation and career development at all levels. Established in 2003, the YMI is nearing the end of its fifth year and has already made a huge difference to youth music provision in Scotland.  All local authorities in Scotland have met the ‘P6 target’ set by the Scottish Executive back in 2003, ensuring that every child in Scotland will have had been given the opportunity to access at least one year’s free music provision by the time they reach Primary 6. The YMI has also supported close to 100 projects taking place out of school, ranging in location from Shetland to Glasgow and in age from babies to young adults.

Budget The music budget for 2007/08 is £4.76 million which includes £1.88 million committed to seven Foundation Organisations. In addition, the Scottish Government has invested an extra £10 million in the YMI in 2007/08. The majority of this funding is made available to local authorities through the Formula Fund but a proportion is available for open application to support training and continuing professional development for individuals and organisations and new music making activities for young people out of school hours. For information our about funding schemes, please visit our Funding section. You can also read our Guide to Funds.