Public music schools in Germany are facing a shortage of qualified teachers, a situation that is worsening. Of the current 37,000 music teachers, around 14,000 are expected to retire by 2035, while only 4,000 new graduates will enter the profession. This was stated by Friedrich-Koh Dolge, the federal chairman of the Association of German Music Schools (VdM), on Thursday before the start of the association's national assembly.

PG Association of German Music Schools

Dolge emphasized that music school teachers bear an extraordinarily responsible task: "They combine artistic excellence with high pedagogical quality and design individual support as well as ensemble work, educational cooperation with schools and daycare centers, inclusion, talent development and cultural participation."

To effectively address the shortage, more attractive working conditions, adequate remuneration, social security, and greater visibility for the profession are needed, explained the VdM chairman. "If public music schools are to fulfill a public educational mandate, this must also be reflected in a reliable funding structure with one-third funding from municipalities, states, and parents, sharing responsibility for sustainable musical education."

The Association of German Music Schools is the professional and umbrella organization for approximately 930 public, non-profit music schools. According to the association, around 1.4 million children, young people, and adults learn to play music at 21,000 teaching locations nationwide.

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