In the state, the proportion of freelance workers was around 30 percent, while 70 percent were permanent employees. So far, eight music schools nationwide have reached the 100 percent mark. “The others are in the process,” says Reineke. This is also possible thanks to additional support from the state of Saxony-Anhalt. This has increased annual funding from three million euros in 2020 to 4.81 million euros this year – especially with a focus on more permanent positions.
Too few music school teachers and student waiting lists
Even before the Federal Social Court’s ruling, music schools were under pressure, said Reineke. Due to demographic changes, there is a wave of music school teachers retiring. There are not enough young talent. The result is waiting lists for music students.
More attractive jobs for teachers are therefore needed, apart from the miserable fees. The state has long recognized this and increased funding, and case law has also been added. From the perspective of music schools, this is a “huge opportunity” to establish a sustainable music school landscape, says Reineke.
Altmarkkreis Salzwedel at 100 percent target
“Since August 1, 2024, all music school teachers have been permanently employed,” says the Altmarkkreis Salzwedel district, for example. There are 31 teachers in total: five full-time and 26 part-time. “Almost all positions are filled. The Altmarkkreis district music school always faces special challenges when it comes to recruiting staff as an educational institution in rural areas,” it said. “Music schools are also in competition with general education schools when looking for teachers.”
This year, the Altmark district’s subsidy requirement for the music school is around 820,000 euros. This corresponds to the level of previous years. The increased funding from the state of Saxony-Anhalt is a help, according to the district. “However, the additional costs cannot be fully covered by this.” There will be no changes to the fee rates. With slight fluctuations, around 1,200 pupils have been taught in recent years. There are around 80 children and young people on the waiting list.
Reineke: “This is a herculean task”
Music school association manager Reineke said that the Magdeburg Conservatory alone had previously worked entirely with permanent teachers. This is now also the case in Halle, the Harz district, the Börde district and the Saale district. Numbers are changing on a weekly basis. “It’s a herculean task,” said Reineke.
The Saale district estimates the additional financial burden at around 391,000 euros per year. This will initially be financed from its own resources. “As in previous years, we are applying for funding from the state.” The district expects higher funding from the state because it has consistently switched from fee-based contracts to permanent positions.
“We are expecting around 150,000 to 200,000 euros more. This will reduce the additional burden on the district to around 200,000 euros. However, this may change in the next few years and remains difficult to predict.” Fees were recently increased in two stages on August 1, 2023 and August 1, 2024. However, the Saalekreis is below the state average.
