Chance to make music at free taster session

ANYONE who wants to learn how to get a tune out of a musical instrument can have a go for free at a music taster event.

Music for All, a charity dedicated to helping people learn to play music, is delighted to announce the return of its “Learn to Play” event to Staffordshire on Saturday and Sunday, September 25 and 26. This weekend of free music taster sessions, cancelled last year due to the pandemic, aims to encourage new and lapsed music makers to experience the joys and benefits of making music.

By offering free music lessons at venues across the county, in person or, for the first time, online, all ages and abilities can gain easy access to a wide range of musical instruments and fulfil their dreams of learning to play an instrument.

Supported by Music for All ambassadors including Jools Holland, Jamie Cullum and Snow Patrol, Learn to Play Day ’21 will be held by Trentham Brass Band, and will offer free 10-15 minute music lessons. Further venues are set to be announced over the coming weeks.

Since being launched 11 years ago, the Learn to Play initiative has been growing in popularity and a record 10,000 people picked up and played a musical instrument during the last event in 2019.

Tony Followell, chair of trustees at Music for All, said: “The positive impact of learning to play a musical instrument is well known, and the past 18 months have highlighted the enormous benefits music can offer to individual wellbeing and social cohesion. The universal appeal of music speaks to us all and we want everyone to have the opportunity to experience music making for themselves.

“As a charity we understand that not everyone is able to afford instruments and lessons or has access to the services that would support their music making, so our free trial days offer an opportunity of discovery for new and lapsed music makers.”

To find a free music lesson near you or to join online, visit https:// musicforall.org.uk/learntoplayday/