How to try out an instrument while socially distancing

FORmany children, the opportunity to learn a musical instrument is a rite of passage.

And formany parents, there’s the problem of knowing where to start.

In normal times, Berkshire Maestros organise taster sessions so that children can have a go, learn about instruments and try and find the perfect match.

But these are not normal times. Orchestras are mothballed over fears that musicians can act as superspreaders of the coronavirus – and it’s also hard to socially distance when you have a large number of performers in a finite amount of space.

So the usual event plans are off. Undaunted, Berkshire Maestros is using the power of the internet this Saturday to give children a chance to get musical.

The Big Music Day runs online from 11am. It’s free and aimed at children aged six and above.

Experts will explain how the different instruments work, talk about its lessons and how they operate and look at howmusic can make a difference to peoples lives.

Berkshire Maestros said that music lessons can help encourage key skills including confidence, perseverance, teamwork, concentration and communication.

Places should be booked in advance.

The event starts with a welcome. At 11.05am, there’s a session on woodwind instruments, followed at 11.30amwith a look at the piano. At 11.50am, the focus is on brass and percussion. Guitar follows at 12.15pm, string instruments will be in the spotlight at 12.50pm and there’s a question and answer session at 1.20pm.

If that wasn’t enough, there’s a taster session of the Mini Maestros music classes for babies and children. This starts at 10am and has the theme of Under The Sea.

For more details, log on to www.berkshiremaestros.org.uk