The UK’s biggest free music weekend arrives in Lostwithiel

Ever wondered whether you’re secretly a trombone player? This October, Lostwithiel gets one afternoon to find out, and it won’t cost a penny.

Free brass tasters at Lostwithiel Social Club

On Thursday 8 October, Lostwithiel Social Club opens its doors for a free taster session in brass instruments, run by Lostwithiel Town Band. It’s open to everyone, whatever their age, experience or background, and it’s part of Learn to Play, described as the UK’s largest free music-making weekend.

The band is building on its training band, launched last year. Melanie Troiano of Lostwithiel Town Band said: “Lostwithiel Town Band revitalise programmes give opportunities to all to access and learn music. After a successful first year we are looking to build on the foundations of the training band to develop players of all abilities.”

Why the timing matters this year

Learn to Play arrives at a difficult moment for music education. Cuts to arts funding mean many schools are struggling to meet even basic music curriculum requirements, and the pressure is being felt right along the pipeline.

Sonali Banerjee, Music for All’s General Manager, said performing arts teaching grants have been reduced to zero and specialist training institutions are facing cuts of up to 50 per cent. Music Hubs, she said, have now faced decreased funding for the seventh consecutive year in a row, “meaning unavoidable reductions to provision and opportunities.”

“Learn to Play is therefore needed more than ever,” she said. “Our regional music-making activities offer access to those who might otherwise never experience the unique joy and proven wellbeing benefits of making music. Engagement in music has long been linked to reduced depression, anxiety and pain, and improved quality of life.”

📷Kenza Blanca, Music for All ambassador.

A weekend far bigger than one Cornish hall

Learn to Play has been running for more than a decade and this year’s event spans 8 to 11 October across the UK, with venues taking part in towns and cities nationwide. Lostwithiel’s session is one small part of a weekend Music for All says aims to inspire and reconnect both new and lapsed music makers with an instrument or with singing.

Among its ambassadors is Kenza Blanca, a British Moroccan Afro-Amazigh-Arabian singer-songwriter. “I am so proud to be an ambassador for Music for All and support their Learn to Play events whole-heartedly,” she said. “Learn to Play offers free music lessons for those wanting the opportunity to start an instrument or pick one back up. I’m supporting Learn to Play because music should be available and accessible to everyone, it can help build confidence and bring people together, it’s a real sense of achievement learning to play.”

Music for All runs a year-round awards programme of cash grants and instruments alongside the Learn to Play weekend, aimed at disadvantaged music makers, community groups and educational organisations across the UK.

How to take part

Anyone interested in trying Learn to Play can visit the Learn to Play website, find their closest venue on the interactive map, and register interest directly with that venue. This year’s event is supported by the Richer Sounds Foundation, with partners including Black Lives in Music, Making Music, the Music Industries Association, Music Mark, the Music Teachers Association, Rockschool and Take It Away.

“So why not come along and try and join a fun and relaxed environment to learn, play in the heart of the community,” Melanie added.

📷Melanie Troiano leads a Lostwithiel Town Band training band rehearsal.