Music service aiming to inspire young people with online classes

A series of workshops are being held online for students, who would usually meet up for instrumental lessons, to make new like-minded friends and hone their music skills.

Covid-19 has seen lessons cancelled, which in turn has meant group practices have also been halted.

Alison Stevens, manager at Shropshire Music Service, said the social aspect of the service was just as important as the musical aspect.

Musicians have now agreed to take part, including Levin Jones, a violinist and music teacher, who’s wife, Chloe, and two children, Isaac and Eva, are all involved in the service.

“Alison rang me saying did I know any anyone famous who would do these workshops,” Chloe said.

“My husband, Levin, had agreed to do one and I immediately thought of Lenny Sayers, who is the principal bass clarinettist at BBC National Orchestra of Wales – and was the best man at my wedding.

“I asked him if he would do it and he agreed and passed on a few names of other people who he knew might help as well.

“At the moment, music is getting a really rough deal and kids are not feeling motivated to carry on practising. These workshops have been a great way to keep their motivation going and give them something to look forward to.”

The workshops were sponsored by the Arts Society Wrekin, as well as a grant from the Shropshire Freemasons, meaning the service can also provide award levels for its students when they return.

So far, 197 students have attended the lessons, which Alison said was a “marvellous” result. The age of the students attending the lessons range from seven to 19.

Alison added: “We’ve had woodwind, brass, percussion so far and still have a strings and guitar workshop to come.

“Quite often the students who take part in these workshops and get to know each other, are different from their school friends.”

Visit www.shropshiremusicservice.org.uk/ to find out more.