Open discussions at the delegates' meeting

Cultural Message 2025 - 2028

One of the most important items on the agenda was the Cultural Message 2025 - 2028, for which the VMS had prepared a detailed consultation response. President Philippe Krüttli provided an insight into the development and objectives of the new cultural message, which will come into force in January 2025 following detailed discussions in the Council of States and National Council. In fact, music education will receive slightly less funding from the federal budget.

Basic funding: Meeting with the EDK

Since the adoption of Article 67a of the Federal Constitution, the VMS has been committed to the implementation of popular, basic and talent promotion. While initial steps have already been taken by the federal government in the areas of mass promotion with the "Youth and Music" program and talent promotion with "Young Talents in Music", corresponding measures are lacking in the area of basic promotion, i.e. music lessons at elementary school. The VMS describes the situation with regard to the quality of music lessons at public schools as worrying. There are gaps in the training of teachers, the objectives set out in the curricula are often not achieved and cooperation with music schools is inadequate. Philippe Krüttli reported on an informal meeting held on April 24 between the VMS, the Swiss Music Council (SMR) and the Conference of Cantonal Directors of Education (EDK). The obstacle to far-reaching changes is cantonal sovereignty as far as public education is concerned. Several delegates spoke with reports from their cantons.

Tariffs at music schools: Article 12a KFG

Another political issue is Article 12a of the Culture Promotion Act, which deals with fees at music schools. As the competence lies with the cantons, implementation varies greatly and is often unsatisfactory in terms of equal opportunities. This was also the subject of an animated discussion at the DM among the delegates, some of whom were and are intensively involved in the drafting of cantonal music school laws. 

The challenge of filling vacancies

The shortage of specialists is also affecting music schools. The VMS conducted a survey that confirmed the corresponding assumptions and, together with the Swiss Conference of Music Universities (KMHS), founded a working group to address the issue and draw up initial proposals in fall 2024. 

Anniversary 2025

The VMS is planning a special campaign for its 50th anniversary: between August and October 2025, a radio bus will travel to music schools in (as of today) 16 cantons and make broadcasts there. Interested music schools or cantonal associations are still welcome to register at info@musikschule.ch. There is also a preview of the next Forum Musikalische Bildung in Baden in January 2025.

News from the cantons

There were numerous requests to speak on the agenda item "Reports from the cantons". Adrian Meyer reported on the status of the Music School Act in the canton of Schwyz. "Things didn't really move forward for a long time - but last year there was a flying start," he said. The canton approached the Schwyz Music Schools Association (VMSZ) and actively involved it in writing the law. The referendum deadline is still running until the end of July - implementation is planned for the 2025/2026 school year. The first steps towards a music school law were also taken in the canton of St. Gallen, and the government was officially tasked with drafting one in May 2024. Philipp Gisler from the canton of Uri gave an insight into the drafting of the ordinance on the new education law, in which the cantonal contributions to teachers' salaries are to be increased as far as possible. Jacques Hurni reported on the new collective regulation for teaching staff in the canton of Vaud, which came into force on January 1, 2024. Various other cantons reported on the status of the "Young Talents in Music" program.

Philippe Krüttli noted that all of this was very pleasing: "People always say that progress in Switzerland is always so slow - and yet changes are visible."

Inputs in small groups

After a joint lunch, the delegates engaged in in-depth discussions on four topics. In small groups, they expressed their opinions on talent promotion, the professional mission statement and communication issues. It was exciting to learn that many music schools are active on social media and often create or release their own positions (percentages) for this purpose.

At the end, the VMS President thanked those present for the long journey and wished them much strength and energy for their future work in music education.

Did you know? The VMS is on LinkedIn and Instagram. We look forward to a thumbs up or a friendly comment!