We the undersigned petition the Principal and the Senior Management Team at RUTC to re-think the proposal to cease the provision of individual instrumental lessons. We are past students of RUTC and strongly feel that the provision of music lessons, and music in general, is a fundamental aspect of a successful and enjoyable college education. As well as being integral to the achievement of good grades at A level and Btec, instrumental ability enhances student enthusiasm ,motivation, discipline, confidence and imbues the student with a sense of fun. It has been proven that learning a musical instrument enhances the memory and thus aids educational achievements in other areas. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/6447588/Playing-a- musical-instrument-makes-you-brainier.html Richmond, Twickenham and it's surrounding area has a long history of association with music and many talented young musicians have taken instrumental lessons at RUTC. These musicians have gone onto become talented professionals in their chosen fields, and all are proud of their association with the college. We believe that the college should be proud of them too. It is our position that ceasing music lessons will severely hamper the potential that some young people discover within themselves, as they change academic environments, come to college and begin to realise and manifest their path in adulthood. In addition, instrumental ability is a fundamental aspect of certain courses at RUTC. Students are assessed and given grades on aspects such as fluency, technique, harmony and improvisation. How are students expected to develop these areas without instrumental lessons? Surely by ceasing lessons the college is limiting students chances of achieving their potential. We therefore strongly urge the Principal, senior management and governors of RUTC to rethink the plans to end instrumental music lessons. Signed