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Petition for fair fees: Barnim's music schools in crisis!
Petition to improve fees for music school teachers in Barnim aims for fair conditions and negotiations with authorities.
Petition for fair fees: Barnim's music schools in crisis!
The situation for honorary teachers at the Barnim Music School is anything but rosy. A recently launched one petition, which is aimed at the district administrator and the district council, makes the precarious situation clear. There have been no significant improvements since Janco Bystron's open letter on January 1, 2023. On the contrary: the announced fee increase for 2024 was withdrawn in July 2024, which is causing many freelance teachers to have great fear of their existence.
There are repeated warnings that highly qualified educators are leaving Barnim to find better conditions in Berlin or Oberhavel. An article in the Märkische Oderzeitung in March 2025 already spoke of a migration trend that endangers the quality of teaching and ultimately also affects children, young people and their families. The demands of the petition are clear: an immediate adjustment of fees and regulated employment relationships for teachers.
Court ruling creates uncertainty
The situation is further complicated by a judgment of the Federal Social Court complicated. It says that many lecturers at music schools can no longer work as freelancers, but as permanent employees. Over 90% of the teachers at the Hugo Distler music school in Petershagen/Eggersdorf are affected by this regulation. Headmaster Alexander Braun is faced with possible additional costs of around 200,000 euros and warns that without the necessary financial resources the school could have to close.
The survey among freelance workers also shows that many do not want to switch to a permanent position because they value freedom and creativity. This uncertainty about the future is putting increasing strain on teachers, and there are fears that higher school fees and reduced offerings could be the consequences of implementing the ruling.
Agreement urgently needed
A working group made up of various associations is now calling for a longer transition period until the end of 2026 for the conversion to jobs subject to social insurance contributions. The Pro music association supports this approach and gives music schools scope for action in order to maintain the good quality of teaching, at least until then. This transition period may be necessary to absorb the consequences of the ruling and ensure a smooth transition.
The goal for the Barnim music school and similar institutions is clear: fair conditions, appropriate pay and respect for the performance of the freelance teachers. It remains to be seen whether the initiatives and demands of the petition will be heard and can lead to a lasting improvement in the situation.