Leicester-Shire Arts in Education has long had both a national and international reputation for providing high-quality music education to young people. Last year, its future seemed in jeopardy as a result of County Council spending cuts. This article provides a historical background to the service, and describes how a campaign developed to defend the provision. The campaign has achieved some success, but the service has been reduced and its longer term future remains uncertain. Continued public spending cuts, and a perception that arts education is a luxury, not a necessity, do not bode well for the future. (Contains 1 note.)