From 33 to 22 music schools
Music schools in the canton of Lucerne have been undergoing transformation in recent years. They merged to form regional music schools, streamlined their processes and thus also increased the quality of their services.
Merging - for more quality
The reason for the numerous mergers in the canton was the Task and Finance Reform 18 (ARF18), which was approved by the electorate. In order to support financially weaker municipalities, the canton now covers half of the costs for all elementary school, and thus, as they are part of the Primary School Education Act, also for music schools. However, in order to benefit from this, music schools must have at least 500 subject enrolments. The Association for the Music Schools of the Canton of Lucerne (VML) welcomed the development from the outset. "The mergers were and are costly for everyone involved," says Ursula Kleeb, head of the Adligenswil-Udligenswil music school and delegate of the canton of Lucerne for the VMS, "but they ultimately ensure more uniformity and high quality, as well as more job security for the teachers."
Key figures
Around 800 teachers teach at the 22 music schools in the canton with a total of over 26,000 students. The range of subjects is very broad and extends from individual lessons - also in traditional instruments such as the Schwyzer Örgeli - to ensemble lessons. The collaboration with brass music associations is intensive and is highly valued by both sides: "Brass music is very important to us," says Ursula Kleeb. Talented children and young people have been benefiting from the cantonal talent promotion program since 2014. In addition, music students can showcase their skills in numerous local and regional competitions as well as the Central Switzerland Youth Music Competition.
Twice a year, the VML organizes a meeting for music school directors in the canton. There is a great need for exchange, especially because of the transformation processes in recent years, and the meeting is always very well attended.
20 years of the cantonal association
In October 2023, the association celebrated its 20th anniversary with numerous guests, including Lucerne's Director of Education and Culture, Dr. Armin Hartmann, who opened his welcome address with the following words: "A music canton needs strong music students. Music makes everyone happy and a happy population makes the canton of Lucerne happy."
