For the past few years, Take it away and Music for All have supported each other to help more people have better access to music making. This year, Take it away has been invited to be an official partner of Music for All’s annual flagship event – Learn to Play.
We spoke to Wallis Leahy from Music for All about the story of Learn to Play. She explained how the programme has enabled people to have a go at making music for free for over a decade. We also discussed why music retailers should apply to take part in this year’s event, which will take place across the country from 9 to 12 October 2025.
What is Learn to Play?
Music for All is a UK based charity dedicated to changing lives by improving access to music making and helping disadvantaged music makers experience the joys and far-reaching benefits of making music.
Their annual event, Learn to Play, works by inviting a variety of music providers to open their doors and offer a range of free music lessons and experiences, welcoming people of all ages and abilities to participate. The event aims to inspire, encourage, and enable both new and lapsed music makers to enjoy the benefits of making music.
Photos from past Learn to Play events
The programme began over 15 years ago as part of a Music Industries Association initiative. A Learn to Play stand that was taken to various exhibitions and events, offering free 10 minute lessons on keyboard, guitar, drums and saxophone. Wallis explained that feedback from these events made them aware of “the lack of opportunity for people to ‘have a go’ at playing a musical instrument and the barrier this creates to them becoming a music maker and engaging with their local music community”.
From there, the Learn to Play day developed, mainly taking place in music stores to encourage them to engage with their local community and promote their services. Later the activity extended across a weekend and other providers were approached to participate – community groups, private music tutors and music hubs/services for example. This expansion ensured greater community engagement and a more diverse population of potential music makers.
Learn to Play is for everyone! Whether you’re new to music making, want to try your hand at another instrument or wish to return to an instrument you loved to play in the past, you can attend a lesson local to you.
Learn to Play Stories
Wallis shared the stories of two past participants of Learn to Play, Chapman Shum and Joshua Franklin, who both gained a great deal from taking part in the event in their local areas.
“Born blind, Chapman taught himself to play the piano from a young age and has since achieved his Grade 8 and performed across the country. In 2022, Chapman attended a Learn to Play lesson at Yamaha Music Store London to continue his learning. He then applied for a Music for All Learn to Play Award to help him purchase a new piano which we were delighted to award. This new piano suited his advanced playing abilities and empowered him to pursue new qualifications and continue his journey as a musician”
“At eight years old Joshua decided he wanted to play the Saxophone but was turned down from taking lessons at school for being under the age threshold. Joshua was still determined to learn so attended a Learn to Play saxophone lesson at Dawkes Music’s in Maidenhead. Through this experience, he managed to convince his school that he was ready and able to continue learning.
Joshua excelled at playing the saxophone, taking his first exam (Grade 3) aged nine, achieving a distinction at Grade 8 three years later, gaining a ABRSM Diploma and taking his music G.C.S.E exam two years early, achieving a Grade A. His love for music has continued through obtaining a Grade A in A-level music. He now plays lead alto in Cardiff University’s big band and attends local jazz jam nights where he frequently plays along with others at local venues”.
Accessibility is Key
Take it Away and Music for All are equally passionate about making it more affordable and accessible for people to make music. We asked Wallis what Music for All have planned to make this years Learn to Play weekend as accessible as possible.
- All Learn to Play providers are encouraged to consider accessibility when preparing for their Learn to Play activity.
- Providers who specialise in supporting individuals with additional needs are welcome to apply – last year, Ashmount School, who provide education for pupils with special educational needs in Leicester, delivered Learn to Play lessons specifically for children with learning disabilities using music technology.
- All Learn to Play lessons are 100% free for participants and people are welcome to attend as many events as they would like to.
- Not everyone can afford to continue learning to play following an event and so, Music for All have established a dedicated Learn to Play awards round, open to participants who would like to apply for funding to continue their studies. – Interested participants simply need to attend a Learn to Play ‘25 lesson and fill in an application form via the Music for All website which will open on 10 October.
Become a Learn to Play provider!
Music for All invites all Take it away member retailers to apply to take part in Learn to Play 2025.
Participating as a programme provider is a fantastic way to welcome new people through your doors and help new music lovers to discover your business.
You can use this opportunity to generate sales, raise your profile locally and online and feel the wider benefits of joining a national campaign advocating the life changing benefits of music-making. They hope to engage with retailers who are equally passionate about widening access to music for people of all ages and abilities.
To become a Learn to Play provider you just need three things:
- Instruments/equipment for participants to use – singers are also welcome!
- Knowledgeable DBS checked adults able to deliver engaging taster music lessons
- A safe accessible space to host your event
(You will need to be available at some point across the Learn to Play weekend, 9 – 12 October 2025. The days/timings are up to you!)
The Take it away scheme is Creative United’s long-running, national initiative that enables anyone to purchase a musical instrument – or pay for tuition, equipment and software – by spreading the cost over 10 months with interest-free finance.
Representative 0% APR. Take it away is a Creative United initiative supported by Arts Council England and Arts Council of Northern Ireland.