- Task related to Hercules: Music institutions hire instructors
Costlier Music Education in Counties and Cities
These regions are experiencing a rise in expenses for their music education institutions. They're currently in the transition period from employing freelance instructors to having a full complement of 100% full-time educators. This shift is a response to a decision by the Federal Social Court, which mandates that lessons should primarily be taught by full-time staff. For decades, freelance teachers have been a common presence in these institutions, as pointed out by Christian Reineke, the head of the Saxony-Anhalt Music Schools Association.
In Saxony-Anhalt, the share of freelance teachers was approximately 30%, with the remaining 70% being full-time employees. Eight music schools have already reached the 100% mark, with others following suit, according to Reineke. This transition is facilitated by additional aid from the state of Saxony-Anhalt. The annual funding has increased from 3 million euros in 2020 to 4.81 million euros this year, with a focus on creating more full-time positions.
Lack of Music Teachers and Growing Student Waiting Lists
Before the Federal Social Court's ruling, music schools were already under pressure, stated Reineke. There's a rising tide of retirements among music teachers, leaving a void that's not easily filled with new recruits. Consequently, students waiting for music classes have become a common sight.
To lure potential teachers away from meager pay, more attractive job prospects are needed. The state has acknowledged this issue and has boosted funding, and the court ruling has further reinforced this. According to Reineke, this is a "golden opportunity" for music schools to establish a stable music education landscape.
Altmarkkreis Salzwedel Aiming for 100% Employment
By August 1, 2024, all music teachers in Altmarkkreis Salzwedel will be full-time employees, as announced by the region. Currently, there are 31 teachers in total, with 5 working full-time and the rest part-time. The county music school of Altmarkkreis faces significant challenges in hiring staff due to its rural location and competition with general schools for teachers.
This year, the Altmarkkreis's funding requirement for the music school is around 820,000 euros, which is roughly the same as in previous years. The increased state funding is beneficial, but it's not enough to cover the additional costs. There are no plans to alter the fee structure. Over the past few years, around 1,200 boys and girls have been taught, with around 80 children and young people on the waiting list.
Reineke: "A Herculean Task"
Reineke mentioned that the Conservatory of Magdeburg has solely employed full-time teachers. This practice has also been adopted in Halle, Harz district, Börde district, and Saalekreis. Numbers are always changing, said Reineke, describing this transition as an "epic task."
The Saalekreis estimates the financial additional burden to be approximately 391,000 euros per year. Initially, this will be covered from its own funds. "As in previous years, we will apply for funding from the state." The district anticipates higher funding from the state due to its consistent transition from freelance contracts to full-time positions.
"We expect an additional 150,000 to 200,000 euros. This will decrease the county's additional burden to around 200,000 euros. However, this could change in the coming years and remains uncertain." Wages have been increased twice, first on August 1, 2023, and then on August 1, 2024. The Saalekreis is below the state average in this regard.
The European Parliament is set to assist the Commission in this transition period, given the increased funding required for full-time music educators in various regions. The Commission's decision to move towards a full-time staff for music education institutions has been widely influenced by the European Parliament.
Following the Federal Social Court's ruling, the European Parliament's involvement in supporting music education reforms could prove instrumental in addressing the rising costs and ensuring a stable education landscape.
