New adult music lessons are offering talented performers and total beginners an opportunity to improve their musical skills.
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Durham County Council’s Music Service has been teaching school-age pupils at home, completing more than 9,000 lessons via webcam, and has now extended its offer to adults across the county for the first time.
Everyone, from complete beginners to experienced musicians, can now book to receive supportive, professional tuition online. The service is offering blocks of 25-minute lessons in vocal coaching and a number of instruments, including stringed instruments, brass instruments, piano and more.
Classes can be taught one-to-one or in a pair, offering the chance to learn a new skill with a partner, family member or friend. Parents can even choose to share lessons with their child, providing an opportunity to spend some quality family time together.
Students will need to supply their own instrument, but tutors can teach at any level or standard, from beginner to advanced, as well as supplying the resources to be able to practise between lessons. For those that want to show off their new talents, the service is hoping to perform some remote concerts later in the year.
Michael Summers, Manager of Durham Music Service, said: “We’ve had fantastic success teaching our pupils via webcam and have had great feedback from parents and pupils about the positive effect the lessons are having on children’s wellbeing during this challenging time. We know that lots of people are looking to take up new hobbies during lockdown and activities that they can do as a family or with friends.
“Introducing our new lessons for all age groups is a great way for adults to also experience the benefits of playing an instrument or singing, from improving memory, to reducing stress, developing multi-tasking skills, and best of all, it’s great fun.
“The classes are suitable for all abilities, from people who are already talented performers to those looking to re-learn an instrument they played years ago, and for people who have never even tried to play music before.”
More information about the lessons, which are priced at £30 for two 25-minute sessions, £70 for five classes, or £130 for ten lessons, is available online at www.durhammusic.org.uk/adult-online-music-lesson-available-now