Mood of crisis at Hesse's music schools: Will fees increase?

Mood of crisis at Hesse's music schools: Will fees increase?

According to the ruling of the Federal Social Court in 2022, there is a clear crisis at music schools in Hesse. The devastating decision obliges most music schools to employ their freelance teachers on a permanent basis. This could cost millions and many teachers fear for their existence, because around two thirds of the 2,700 teachers at the 66 public music schools already work without secure employment. As [hessenschau.de](https://www.hessenschau.de/kultur/nach-herrenberg-Judg-hessische-musikschulen-duerften-teurer- Werden-oder-close-v1,musikschulen-100.html) reports, the department heads of the music schools have considerable concerns about the financial viability of their institutions.

The head of the Paul Hindemith Music School in Hanau, Jörn Pick, expresses concern about the threat of back payments for social security contributions, which could amount to up to 18 million euros. These additional financial burdens would further strain music schools' already strained budgets. Especially since over 60 percent of the total costs of music schools are covered by parents. “We may have to increase the parental contributions to up to 115 euros per month,” explains Pick. These concerns are shared by Hans-Joachim Rieß, managing director of the Association of German Music Schools in Hesse, who warns of possible bankruptcies.

The transitional arrangement

At the political level, a transitional regulation has now been created that does not provide for any insurance or contribution obligation until December 31, 2026, provided the teachers agree to the new regulation. The anwalt.de emphasizes that the goal for music schools is now to reorganize the existing fee contracts by January 1, 2027. However, the consent of the teachers is a prerequisite; To date, it has become clear that many teachers, including Jan Jansohn, who was terminated from his salary contract, appreciate the new security of a permanent position.

Those responsible have long ignored the looming financial cliff, which endangers not only the quality but also the wide range of music schools on offer. Although the federal government has announced that it will increase municipal budgets to enable the necessary permanent positions, the question remains whether this will happen to a sufficient extent.

Cultural highlights in Hesse

Particularly noteworthy is the duo “Pianarmonio” with Jan Hennig and Ernst Breidenbach, which presents new music for harmonium and piano. The concert summer promises to once again be a top-class cultural experience and could provide a welcome change from the dreary everyday life of music schools. A concert recording from September 11, 2022 also shows that musical diversity in Hesse is still very popular despite all the difficulties.

Overall, it remains to be seen how the situation in music schools will develop. A secure position for freelance teachers could not only secure the teachers' existence, but also guarantee the continued existence of a valuable cultural institution. The hr2.de promises exciting developments - a healthy music culture needs committed people in recognized employment in order to master the challenges of the future.