Music school's financial worries: District wants to secure the future!

Music school's financial worries: District wants to secure the future!

These days the vocational school for music in Altötting is making a name for itself. Faced with financial difficulties, the school and its supporters are under pressure. In order to ensure the continued existence of the educational institution, the district, the city of Altötting and the Upper Bavaria district have decided to increase their financial contributions. “It is important that we hold on to such a crucial institution,” said supporters, recognizing the school’s importance for music education in the region.

The students from the vocational school recently had the opportunity to show off their skills at the “Chiemgau Alm Festival”. The performance on the Schwarzachenalm, at the foot of the majestic Sonntagshorn, not only brought joy but also valuable experience for the young talents.

Financial support for trainees

Although the school is currently struggling with financial hurdles, there is good news for everyone who wants to study music: Attending the vocational school for music is financially supported under the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG). The amount of BAföG benefits depends on the economic circumstances of the students or their parents. A special advantage: The benefits do not have to be repaid after completion of the training. Applications can be conveniently submitted to the district office of your home residence.

In addition, the Bavarian law on free travel to school stipulates that full-time students up to grade 10 are reimbursed for the costs of their transport to the training facility. Anyone who decides to retrain for a second job can also apply for financial support from the Federal Employment Agency. Monthly costs for school fees amount to 110 euros, which are paid off over eleven months.

Questions about training costs

The costs of training at a vocational school are not just limited to school fees. In addition, additional expenses may arise when purchasing sheet music, books and, if necessary, an instrument. Fortunately, there is also the option of using the school's own rental instruments in a limited number, which alleviates some of the financial pressure on aspiring musicians.

For all those who are unsure about BAföG applications, you can find a detailed overview of the responsible authorities and a practical BAföG calculator on the BAföG website of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Students who start a second training course at a vocational school may also be able to hope for support from the Federal Employment Agency.

The developments surrounding the vocational school for music in Altötting are an important topic for the region. While schools struggle with challenges, the efforts of local authorities are a positive sign for the future of music education.

Find out more about the situation at the vocational school pnp.de, the training conditions bfm-altoetting.de and the BAföG options bfs-musik.de.