‘Learn to play day’ drive to encourage more musicians

Britons are being given a chance to unleash their inner rock star or symphonic performer in a national scheme to encourage people to take up instruments.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Feb 2012, 08:38 BST

Music shops around the UK will be offering free lessons at taster sessions in the first National Learn To Play Day which is being staged next month.

The project is being launched today by the charity Music For All, whose patrons include comic Al Murray who is a keen drummer and music enthusiast.

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More than 50 shops are already signed up to provide the sessions on March 31, offering lessons on a range of instruments with music teachers giving guidance on getting started. Manufacturers will also be providing instruments and giving special offers to newcomers.

The charity says research has found around 15 million people would either like to learn or have played an instrument in the past.

Paul McManus, Music For All’s chief executive, said: “Music for All knows how much music can change and enrich people’s lives. We are hosting the annual Learn to Play Day to allow as many people as possible to experience the wonderful world of making music.”

The day is backed by the Musicians’ Union, Arts Council England, music teachers and musicians’ website Musicradar.com.

Full details of the event, which is expected to become an annual event, including participating shops, are at learntoplayday.com