Free ‘Learn to Play’ sessions at Greenwich Music School

Those with a yearning to pick up a musical instrument for the first time – or wanting to get back to playing again – can pencil in free ‘Learn to Play’ dates in the diary. 

UK charity Music for All is hosting its flagship event ‘Learn to Play’ at Greenwich Music School over the weekend of October 8 and 9. It is open to everyone and comprises a free 10–15-minute taster lesson. 

The school, in Vanbrugh Hill, is one of several major venues throughout the UK hosting the event, which aims to encourage the next generation of musicians of all ages and abilities. 

The event has been going since 2012 but it will be the first time Greenwich has been one of the venues.

Organisers say one million adults took up an instrument during the pandemic as an antidote to isolation, while data from the University College of London suggests people who spent 30 minutes or more each day during lockdown on arts activities such as listening to music had lower reported rates of depression and anxiety. 

Music for All patron Jools Holland said: “Making music is very important to me. It’s my work, my pleasure, my friend, companion and therapist. Music has the power to change lives.” 

For more information on the Learn to Play event visit: www.musicforall.org.uk/learn-to-play/ 

Pictures: Previous Learn to Play events have drawn in plenty of enthusiastic budding-musicians (Pictures: Music for All)