New music scheme is strum-thing really special

School gives every primary six child a guitar

The biggest band in Paisley is tuning up at Todholm Primary School.

Every primary six pupil at the Paisley school has been handed their very own guitar in an initiative to spread music across the school.

More than 70 youngsters are leaning the six-string instrument, with the help of music tutors.

Headteacher Lynn McGinn said the pupils were behind the scheme.

She said: “We spoke to the children about what they wanted more of and they said they would like to do more music.

“From there, we asked them what they would like to do and we came up with the idea of giving all the children an instrument.

“Music is so good for youngsters’ social, personal and cognitive development.

“We wanted to give every child the same opportunity so none of them were disadvantaged, which is where the idea of giving each child an instrument came from.

“We went back to the children and they unanimously chose to learn the guitar. We have 73 primary six pupils all learning together.”

And the results are already starting to show as they get to grips with their new instruments, which have been provided by Renfrewshire Council’s Instrumental Music Service free of charge.

“It has only been two weeks, but they have been so enthusiastic.

“We have a tutor coming in every Monday to work with the children and they are really enjoying it so far.

“The pupils can also take their instruments home to practice, so they have been coming in and showing us what they have learned,” she added.

“Lots of children may have thought they couldn’t ever play an instrument.

“But now that they are starting to learn little bits of songs and things, they can see they can do it.

“It also teaches them about responsibility as they have to take care of their instrument and remember to bring it with them every Monday.”

And the children have given a resounding thumbs up to their new kit.

Jazz, 11, said: “I think it is fun and I want to inspire others to play.

While Thomson, 10, added: “I always wanted to play guitar to be like my dad. Now I can do it.”

David, 11, said: “I’m really proud to be learning the guitar because I didn’t think I could do it.”

Millie and Ashton, both 10, explained they are really happy to be learning the guitar.

Enthusiastic The pupils are working hard Loving lessons These girls are clearly enjoying learning the guitar

Massive orchestra Guitar Tutor Tom Ion, top left, with Todholm Primary School’s primary six pupils who are learning guitar