CHILDREN and adults took advantage of free music taster sessions last weekend when the national ‘Learn To Play’ initiative came to Swindon.

Drums, guitars, keyboard, piano and clarinet were just some of the instruments on offer as Dorcan Academy played host to the Swindon Music Co-operative on Saturday.

Qualified music teachers put on free instrument taster sessions in the hope of inspiring new, or lapsed, musicians to take up lessons.

Janet Hodgson, Director of the Swindon Music Co-operative, said: “We estimate we had around 300 people come through the doors over the course of the day.

“We gave 250 ten minute taster sessions during that time on a whole range of instruments and also vocal coaching.

“Obviously have so many attendees was great and that has already started to lead to lots of enquiries about lessons which was the ultimate aim.”

The event was part of a national initiative launched by Music for All, the charity arm of the British musical instrument industry.

While the main target audience was children, some parents couldn’t resist the urge to give it a go with drums proving the most popular choice of instrument.

Janet, who as well as being the Co-operative’s Director is also a keyboard and piano teacher, added: “Our challenge now is to turn the interest from the day into providing lessons and matching those who want to learn with teachers.”

Swindon Music Co-operative works in schools throughout the town, giving children the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument under the guidance of 50 qualified teachers.

The teachers visit schools on a weekly basis, bringing with them a varied range of styles, backgrounds and experience.

Holmes Music, a family owned music shop that has been in Swindon for over 50 years, also hosted their own ‘Learn To Play’ days over the weekend.

The shop, located on Faringdon Road, provides tuition in piano, keyboard, guitar, bass, drums and clarinet.