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Music lessons in Hofgeismar: Increase in demand despite high costs!
In Hofgeismar, demand for music school offerings is increasing contrary to the national trend, while economic challenges are becoming apparent.
Music lessons in Hofgeismar: Increase in demand despite high costs!
In the Kassel district, interest in music school courses is booming, which is in stark contrast to the general trend in Germany. While many music schools are suffering from declining student numbers, Hofgeismar is seeing a stable increase. According to Simon van Soest, head of the Hofgeismar Music School, there has been an impressive increase of 14% in the number of total students in recent years when all offerings are taken into account. Is instrumental teaching really in balance on the teacher and student side?
A study by the German Music Information Center shows that over 20% of Germans play music regularly from primary school age onwards, two million more than four years ago. Early musical education seems to be in demand more than ever. Once again, the positive effects of making music, which promote creativity, endurance and motor skills, are confirmed.
The financial challenges
Despite the increased interest, there is a notable cost challenge in Hofgeismar and Wolfhagen. In order to attend piano, guitar and drums lessons, parents and students in Hesse have to cover around two thirds of the lesson costs themselves. In comparison, in other federal states this is only a third. The music school itself receives funding from the city, district and state, but the financial burden falls heavily on the shoulders of the parents.
An additional problem child is the Herrenberg ruling by the Federal Social Court, which will allow paid employees to be employed at music schools subject to social security contributions from 2027. This could significantly increase the costs for music schools and lead to a price increase for parents, if not even a loss of services or the closure of facilities. Mario Heilmann, headmaster of the Söhre-Kaufunger Wald music school, does not see any increase in the number of students and is keeping the places at a constant level.
Stability or waiting lists?
In contrast, Georg Förster from the Chroma music school in Vellmar reports stable student numbers and good utilization. Malte Klages from the Wolfhager Land Music School can point to continued great interest in music lessons, not least because of the waiting lists for drum lessons. The ongoing enthusiasm for music lessons is particularly strong in the age groups over 30 and over 60, which is also reflected in the numbers: currently around 16.3 million people in Germany make music in their free time.
Overall, the developments in Hofgeismar and the surrounding area show that, despite the financial challenges and the legal framework caused by the Herrenberg ruling, there is great demand for music lessons. But will this momentum be enough to overcome the challenges that lie ahead for music schools? The next time will show whether comprehensive support from parents, schools and communities can ensure that the regional music landscape remains vibrant.