Learn to play drums. Or keyboard. Or violin. On Saturday 12 April the charity Music For All presents the third edition of the National Learn To Play Day. The aim is to raise interest in music education while having fun. Professional tutors and musicians from prestigious institutions will offer taster lessons for anyone who wants them.
Two major events take place in the city centre:
- Fender, the world-famous guitar brand based at The Gallery Soho in Charing Cross Road, teams up with the Registry of Guitar Tutors (RGT) to offer free guitar lessons throughout the day. Fender guitars will also be available to be play through private headphone stations. Special guests of the day will be Lawson lead guitarist Joel Peat, and Lower Than Atlantis members. Free, just turn up, 10am-6pm
- Yamaha Music London in Wardour Street hosts cast members from the award-winning musical Once, and comedian Al Murray. All will become music teachers for a day. They'll be at the shop from 11am until noon and you can be their pupil. During the day, Yamaha Music tutors introduce people to piano, guitar, ukulele, electronic drums and violin with free taster lessons. Free, prebook, 11am-5pm
Many other music stores and venues will take part in the initiative, around Greater London:
- All Flutes Plus, 60-61 Warren Street, London, W1T 5NZ, Phone: 020 7388 8438
- Bell Percussion, 6 Greenock RoadActon, London, W3 8DU, Phone: 020 8896 1200
- Foote'sMusic, 41 Store Street, London, WC1E 7DB, Phone: 020 7323 2213
- Hillsound/MI Repairs, 24/26 High Street, Hampton Hill, TW12 1PD, Phone: 020 8977 7788
- Ivor Mairants Music Centre, 56 Rathbone Place, London,W1T 1JT, Phone: 020 7636 1481
- Markson Pianos, 8 Chester Court, Albany Street, London, NW1 4BU, Phone: 0207 935 8682
- Musicroom, 11 Denmark Street, London, WC2H 8TD, Phone: 020 7632 3950
- Phil Parker Ltd, 106A Crawford St, London, W1H 2HZ, Phone: 0207 486 8206
- Ritz Music, 88 Sheen Rd, Richmond, TW9 1UF, Phone:020 8332 1488
- Stompbox Ltd, 35 The Broadway, Joel Street, Northwood, HA6 1NZ, Phone: 01923 841 271
- Wembley Music Centre in conjunction with the ICMP (The Institute), Unit 8, Metro Trading Centre,Fifth Way,Wembley,HA9 0YJ, Phone: 020 8795 4001
Learn to Play Day takes place in different venues on Saturday 12 April. Check with each provider about booking and availability. Find all participating stores and institutions across the UK here.
