Stelpe is a place in Latvia, 55 km southeast from Riga. The community life is rich in cultural, sports and other events. Some of them are shared here as seen from the point of view of the Nelius family.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Vecumnieki Music And Art School Doesn't Lose Optimism

There was the First School Day celebration in Vecumieki Music And Art School on September 2. The teachers do not seem to lose optimism in any aspect. The good news was also that the school has received the maximum support from the recession budget, as decided by the Vecumnieki Dome (Community Council). Yet, in compare with the previous school-year, this means nevertheless more burden on the shoulders of the parents.

Some basic program is offered for everyone having payed the participation fee which remains comparatively low - 5 lats per month. For the senior class, this means a full value course with which they can finish the school and get a certificate of the basic education in music.
Yet the younger classes will have to decide whether the child wants to be a music professional or just learn to understand music. There will be some additional costs for everyone but for those stretching themselves to be professionals, it will cost more.
On the one hand, we are among those lucky ones since our daughter Tereze is in her last year. On the other hand, our foster son Karlis Elmer is on his way to begin learning accordion, and this is not the cheap end any more. Having him once a week in the pre-school class will cost us 2o lats per month, the instrument rent not included.
The Music School comes up also with some quite fresh offers. One of them is a musical "roundabout" for 5 and 6 year olds, which means for them a day every week when they can come, touch and try several musical instruments in order to discover their likes, talents, abilities - in order to facilitate the decision as to which direction should be taken in the future.

This might be something for our son Dag who is now 5. But it is not clear yet what it may cost. That's why we hesitate with the final decision even though we have registered the boy among those willing to take that course.

Everyone in our family believes that music is an important aspect of life. So do many families. Being able to understand music, helps a person to better understand also the sciences and humanities. Yet now the music seems to be turning into an elitist education, unaffordable for families with lower income.

So, dear Latvian parents, tighten your belts even more, if only you are able to, and invest into your children. It can be too late if you don't do that now.

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