Glasgow crowds watched on in awe as a musical flash mob took to Buchanan Street to campaign against the scrapping of free music tuition in Scottish schools.

Members of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) stood on the steps of the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow, where they were due to perform professionally just a few hours later.

They were raising awareness of a crowdfunding campaign to raise legal fees to call for a judicial review of music tuition fees in Scottish state schools.

It comes just weeks after a report found more than 100,000 pupils are missing out on music tuition across Scotland as a result of charges or shortages of tutors.

Read more: Free music tuition in Glasgow that costs council £2m seen as a core to the curriculum

The musicians performed a combination of Chopin's Funeral March and Beethoven's Ode to Joy, which organiser Ralph Riddiough said represented the trouble facing the music industry and the 'joyous result' that could transpire if the situation is resolved.

Mr Riddiough is the driving force behind the crowdfunder, and says he believes local authorities are breaking the law by scrapping free tuition.

Speaking at the flashmob, he said: "The law in Scotland says that local authorities shall not charge fees for providing education.

"My argument is that music tuition is education and therefore Scottish authorities are breaking the law, and we need to go to court.

"If children are assessed in their SQA exams in playing two musical instruments, then how is teaching them to play those musical instruments not education?"

He claimed music tuition helped pupils develop confidence, and that every child should be given the chance to 'reach their full musical potential'.

He said:"I think every subject in the curriculum is important, and can ignite an interest in a child that can then go onto transform their lives.

Read more: Primary schools hit by decline in number of music teachers

"That is certainly true in music. If you want to study a subject in school to a level you can get into university, then you have to ask - how can we justify charging them for learning?"

Mr Riddiough was joined by Alastair Orr, a music teacher from Stirling who has been involved in the campaign 'since the beginning'.

Mr Orr says the cause is crucial, and it's important to set the course right.

He said: "After 33 years in the job, this is very close to my heart.

"It's been a privilege to have the experience of teaching children music for so long, and the benefits of music tuition are indescribable. 

"It provides confidence, builds self-esteem, builds literacy and numeracy skills, and contributes so much not just to music education, but across the curriculum as a whole."

He gave evidence at the Scottish Parliament to the Education Skills Committee.

He added: "The inheritance of what you have taught over so many years can be seen across all of Scotland's communities. 

"This flashmob has highlighted our cause, and we're looking forward to the debate in the Scottish Parliament this Tuesday."

You can check out their fundraiser here.