On 26 April 2022, the Luxembourg Parliament passed a law which reforms music education. Starting from the school year 2022/2023, a majority of music lessons, which include performing arts and dance lessons, will be offered free of charge at public music schools. This law is another important step in Luxembourg's education policy which aims to provide the best opportunities for the future of all children and young people.
Claude Meisch, Minister of Education, Children and Youth, underlines the significant change entailed by this law: "High-quality music lessons that are free of charge and accessible to all children and young people contribute to their personal fulfilment and the development of their individual abilities. This support not only strengthens our culture and social cohesion, but also provides children and young people with key competencies for the future."
Music lessons − an important pillar of the educational landscape
Investing in music education is an important step in further developing the cultural life of our society and simultaneously upholding the traditions of a country. This is why efforts to pass music on from one generation to the next are so important. The value of music however goes far beyond this, as Philippe Dalarun (F), President of the European Music School Union (EMU), points out: "In the face of darkening European skies, it is more necessary than ever to let the beacon of humanism and of a culture accessible to all shine. The new law introducing free music lessons in Luxembourg is a remarkable step forward in this respect and an example to follow. I congratulate the government of Luxembourg for this groundbreaking initiative".
Music lessons contribute to the personal fulfilment and development of children and young people. They help the pupils to develop their ability to concentrate, their creativity, their curiosity and their self-esteem. The benefits of music-making, dancing and performing arts for the overall development of the child are so significant that all children and young people should get the opportunity to access music education − regardless of their parents' income. According to Prof. Dr. Michael Dartsch, Professor of Elementary music education at the University of Music Saar (Germany), music lessons are a pillar of the education system and should not be underestimated.
"The introduction of free lessons from early musical training to playing an instrument is a unique initiative to promote cultural participation. Music lessons can be a profound experience from which children benefit all their life. It can lead them to a new form of expression and experience that they might otherwise never achieve. Promoting music-making also enriches a society! This is a fantastic initiative! It contributes to the country's reputation, as did the introduction of free public transport!"
Free of charge lessons in music, dance and performing arts for all children and young people: from early musical training to the completion of the first level
The majority of lessons in music, performing arts and dance will be free of charge.
Among others, the following will be free of charge: the three-year early musical, instrumental and dance training, with the respective subsequent general ear training, instrumental training, vocal training, dance training as well as theatre and speech arts training up to the first diploma (7 years in total).
In other terms, about two-thirds of the lessons currently offered as well as a large part of the subjects taught will be free of charge.
In addition, the participation fees of lessons that are not free of charge will be limited to 100 euros per school year.
Press release by the Ministry of Education, Children and Youth