How Learn to Play Grows Audiences for Music Hubs

Music for All’s Learn to Play is an annual campaign offering free, accessible opportunities for young people to try making music in their communities. Sheffield Music Hub has taken part for the past three years, using the programme to welcome children, young people and families into music-making through taster lessons, workshops and group activities. We chatted with Wallis Leahy, Projects Coordinator at Music for All, and Rory Evans, Assistant Project Officer at Sheffield Music Hub, to reflect on how national support and local delivery can work together to build confidence, spark curiosity and help more people take their first musical steps.

What is Music for All’s Learn to Play?

Learn to Play activities in action

Wallis: Learn to Play is Music for All’s annual flagship event. Over four days in October, music providers open their doors so people of all ages and abilities can enjoy free music lessons, taster sessions and hands-on musical experiences.

The programme began more than 15 years ago as an initiative from the Music Industries Association. It grew out of free 10-minute instrument lessons at exhibitions, where it quickly became clear that lots of people wanted a simple, no-pressure way to try making music. In the last three years alone, around 6,300 people have taken part in a free Learn to Play lesson.

Who is Learn to Play for?

Wallis: Learn to Play is for everyone, whether someone is picking up an instrument for the first time, trying something new, or returning to music after a break. Many families make a day of it, with parents, children and sometimes grandparents all getting involved.

Some activities may be aimed at particular age groups or support needs, so it’s a good idea to check the local event listing or contact the provider before going along.

Why did Sheffield Music Hub take part?

Rory: Learn to Play fitted perfectly with Sheffield Music Hub’s aim of making music accessible to all children and young people. It gave families a free, welcoming and low-pressure chance to try instruments, have a lesson and see whether music might be right for them before committing longer term. Being part of a national event also helped the weekend feel special, turning it into a memorable date in the local calendar.

What did Sheffield offer in 2025?

Rory: More than 150 children and young people came to Sheffield Music Hub at Red Tape Central, taking part in lessons, workshops, music groups and instrument stalls.

The programme included:

• Let’s Make Music for ages 5–7
• Junior Voices
• A Soundpost Folk Session
• Free 20-minute one-to-one instrumental and vocal taster lessons
• “Give It a Go” stalls for brass, woodwind, strings, guitar and percussion

This gave children the chance to choose what suited them best,  from structured lessons and group activities to simply exploring instruments in a relaxed way.

Learn to Play taster sessions in action

What made the day successful?

Rory: The variety of free activities produced a cheerful atmosphere and drew families into the building all day long. The fixed lesson times helped to keep a steady stream of people and prevented overcrowding.

Of the 74 children who pre-registered, 44 were people new to the Sheffield Music Hub, and it’s brilliant that we could reach so many new people! We also had older student volunteers help on the “Give it a Go” instrument stalls. They made a valuable contribution by showing the instruments and assisting the younger participants in playing their first notes.

How did the instrument stalls help?

Rory:  The stalls allowed children to try a range of instruments. This gave the children the opportunity to experiment before working out what they might like to learn. It is brilliant to be able to provide this opportunity because many young people do not otherwise get the chance to try so many instruments in one place.

What impact has it had?

Rory: From Learn to Play 2025 alone, the Sheffield Music Hub has had 11 new instrumental students and four new members joining music groups. Children who take part in Learn to Play often go on to join Sheffield Music Hub’s Wind Bands and Choirs.

Wallis: Learn to Play should be seen as an access point rather than as a point at which everybody has to commit to learning; it opens the way, provides a friendly musical experience and offers people the opportunity to try it. In some cases, this might result in further learning at a later stage.

How does Music for All provide support for both its providers and participants throughout the programme?

Wallis: For providers – from signing up until the events are delivered, providers receive various forms of assistance. Including digital promotional materials, advice on personal marketing and social media, regular updates, one-to-one support and the option to order a promotional pack filled with posters, postcards, stickers and balloons! The events are included on the activity map, and Music for All can also offer regional public relations support.

The model is intentionally flexible so that providers can give trial lessons, run groups, hold open rehearsals or adopt another format suitable to their situation and available resources. The organisations in question must be based in the UK and have to confirm that they are aware of the safeguarding and risk-assessment requirements.

For participants, Music for All can support continued learning post the Learn to Play weekend. Participants who enjoyed a free lesson have the opportunity to apply for a Learn to Play financial grant to help with their ongoing education. In addition, they can take advantage of offers from project partners, such as loans for instruments and online learning, and artist videos are available to give initial guidance to individuals who are not able to attend in person.

Is there a participant story that stands out?

Joshua Franklin had a lesson to learn how to play the saxophone at Dawkes Music since he was not able to take his lessons at school due to his age; he then made rapid progress and obtained Grade 8 with distinction, an ABRSM Diploma, and good results in his GCSE and A-level music exams. He currently plays lead alto in Cardiff University’s big band and goes to local jazz jam sessions.

How can people find or get involved in an event?

Wallis: Simply head to the Music for All website! There’s a page for potential providers to find out more and register their events. And a page where eager participants can view the activity map. You can also email Wallis directly if you have any queries: wallis.leahy@musicforall.org.uk

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