The Bermuda School of Music's (BSM) free violin lessons for P1 and P2 students at two Government schools are in danger of being reduced due to a lack of funding.

At present the students at Purvis Primary and Victor Scott schools receive two free lessons a week from BSM strings teachers David France, Laura Appert and Lisa Hollis, but with a $40,000 shortfall in donations this year BSM general manager Greg Smith warns that the programme cannot continue at its present level unless additional funding is received.

"Part of the problem is that some of the corporate and private people who would normally donate to our bursaries and community initiative programmes have already given towards the $1 million cost of renovating our new premises at the old Berkeley Institute, and we don't feel we can approach them again," Mr. Smith said.

"Normally, we raise $100,000 a year — $40,000 for bursaries for children to have lessons at the BSM who otherwise could not afford it, and $60,000 for our community education initiatives. These include the free lessons at Purvis and Victor Scott; free string lessons at Bermuda's three community centres; our free Children's Choir, and our music appreciation visits to Agape House and nursing homes."

Revealing that over 300 students a week receive the gratis violin lessons, Mr. Smith said that "as a charity we have to raise the funds to provide these".

He added: "We are desperately looking for funds in the places from which we normally receive them, and we have approached Government, companies and individuals, but funds have not been available this year. While we are deeply grateful for the generous support we have received, the fact remains that we need another $40,000 to fully fund the programmes for another year."

A former educator himself, Mr. Smith stressed the importance of music in a child's emotional, physical and academic development.

"Music uses both sides of the brain, so it helps students in their overall development. In fact, studies show that children who take part in music improve academically."

Recalling the origins of the BSM's free violin lessons first at Purvis and subsequently at Victor Scott, which began approximately five years ago, the general manager said it was Mrs. Roseclaire Bulgin, a former principal of Purvis Primary, who provided the impetus.

"Her children grew up in the US and had Suzuki violin lessons. She saw how it helped their development and she wanted the best for her children starting out here, so she asked the school to provide a string programme for P1 and P2 children coming into Purvis Primary."

Donors wishing to help keep these programmes at their optimum level should contact Mr. Smith at 296-5100 ext. 202.