UK charity Music for All is bringing their flagship event ‘Learn to Play’ in York this year.
It offers all comers – either new or returning musicians – a chance to experience a free 10–15-minute taster lesson.
One of the UK venues getting involved this year is Banks Music Room on Lendal, York on the 8 and 9 October.
It opens up opportunities for anyone wanting to pick up an instrument for the first time or would like a chance to return to making music by inspiring and encouraging the next generation of musicians of all ages and abilities.
Recent reports have shown that music has been crucial for many people during the recent pandemic with more than 155 million albums bought or streamed in 2020 and one million adults taking up an instrument – helping people cope with the enforced isolation.
Data from the University College of London suggests that people who spent 30 minutes or more each day during the pandemic on arts activities such as listening to music have lower reported rates of depression and anxiety and greater life satisfaction.
Patron Jools Holland supports the Learn to Play event – “Music has the power to change lives and that’s why we run these events.
Music making is very important to me, it is my work, my friend, my pleasure and therapist.”
Find out more about the event in York here.