Hesse's music schools in the crisis: financial needs and fears of the future!

Hesse's music schools in the crisis: financial needs and fears of the future!

Wiesbaden, Deutschland - In Hesse, the music schools are on the abyss! Financial concerns are plagued by many institutions that enable children and adults to learn instruments. The managing director of the Association of German Music Schools in Hesse, Hans-Joachim Rieß, raises the alarm: The funding of the municipalities is terrifyingly low and are far below the nationwide average!

The Hessian Pact for the music schools promises an increase in the national share to the total expenditure from currently 5.8 percent to 12.5 percent by 2032, but Rieß remains skeptical: "That sounds good, the overall financing is still underground!" While municipal funding per music student is an average of 333 euros in Germany, it is only 186 euros in Hesse. Many music schools receive even less. Rieß calls on the municipalities to make a "giant step" in order to pay the teachers appropriately and keep the schools alive.

struggle for survival of the music schools

In the Hessian State Association, 67 music schools are organized, which are often dependent on municipal support. While cities such as Darmstadt, Frankfurt, Fulda and Rüsselsheim are considered role models in music school promotion, many other municipalities are fighting for their music schools. The situation is dramatic!

consequences of the Herrenberg judgment

Another uncertainty factor is the so-called Herrenberg judgment from 2022, which affects social security contributions for music school teachers. Around 2000 of the 3000 teachers in Hessian music schools work on a fee basis and could now get into a legal gray area. Rieß warns that the implementation of the judgment could further tighten the financial situation of the music schools. Political talks at the federal level are underway to clarify the effects of the judgment. The future of music schools in Hesse is on the brink!