Association of Music Schools Baselland

From Schönebuech to Ammel
From the Bölche to the Rhy
Lyt free and beautiful the Ländli,
where I am at home (...)

Es wächsle Bärg und Täli
Dear all(...)
Nei nicer than in the Basel region
That's not right.
From the Baselbieterlied, the unofficial anthem of the canton of Basel-Landschaft (1862)

About the canton of Basel-Landschaft

The canton of Basel-Landschaft is one of the smaller cantons in Switzerland in terms of area, but is more densely populated than average - the population density is three times the Swiss average. The cantonal capital is Liestal. In addition to urban municipalities in the Basel agglomeration, the canton also includes numerous small municipalities.

Parent third since 1957

The first music school, Birsfelden Music School, was founded in 1957. In 1962, the canton created the legal basis for music lessons - a quarter of the costs for the music schools were to be borne by the canton, a third by the parents and the rest by the respective sponsoring municipalities. The 2002 Education Act enshrined music schools in law with a catalog of compulsory instruments. In order to ensure access to music education for all, it was also stipulated that the tariff for music lessons for parents may not exceed one third of the total costs. Talent promotion has also recently been recognized as a specialist agency in an ordinance.

About the cantonal association

15 music schools belong to the Basel-Landschaft Music Schools Association (VMBL). They are as heterogeneous as the canton itself. In the lower Basel region, there are larger music schools that are easily accessible geographically, while central schools in the upper Basel region, such as Sissach and Gelterkinden, try to offer music lessons in the smallest communities too. "We always try to be as close to the children as possible," says Regula Messerli, municipal councillor in Oberwil BL since 2008 and responsible for education, youth and family. The association supports many activities - including inter-school projects, also together with the elementary school, the cantonal ensemble competition and joint talent promotion. A service agreement with the canton of Basellandschaft exists to finance these activities. In summer 2023, a major event is planned in Augusta Raurica, in which all 15 music schools will participate organizationally and musically. "We hope that this will have a knock-on effect," says Messerli. She has been passionately committed to the music schools in the canton for years, as well as to the canton's concerns in the VMS, because music education is close to her heart. "Music education is enormously important as a supplement to teaching at elementary school. Music is simply something enriching!"

continue to the website of the Association of Music Schools Baselland