THOUSANDS of children are learning to play an instrument, thanks to a team of enthusiastic musicians.

Music for Life was set up 25 years ago to support Cheshire schools who wished to offer as many children as possible opportunities to learn a musical instrument.

It now works with a team of 100 specialist teachers to arrange quality assured lessons to be provided in school to 4,500 students every week in 120 primary and high schools across the county.

Children can now sign up for lessons in 2021.

Alistair McWilliam, director of Music for Life, said: "Opportunities to make music with others is a key part of what we do and as a not-for-profit organisation, Music for Life has always put funding back into the community to support music by setting up many music groups, workshops and organising concerts for students to take part in, usually free of any charge."

Northwich Guardian: Specialist teachers inspire children to play musical instrumentsSpecialist teachers inspire children to play musical instruments

Specialist teachers inspire children to play musical instruments

When schools shut in March last year due to the pandemic, it was feared tuition may have to stop but technology came to the rescue.

Alistair said: "It became in theory impossible for us to continue to work but within two weeks we had managed to organise for almost all lessons to continue safely online, offering students a point of continuity during such an unsettling time and enabling them to keep in contact with their music teacher.

"Offering lessons online was a very steep learning curve for teachers and students but they worked incredibly well."

Tutors were also able to offer online group experiences to motivate students to give them something really positive to work towards.

Music for Life resumed face to face lessons when schools reopened but lessons can easily be moved online for short periods should any students or year groups need to isolate.

For details of how to book lessons visit musicforlife.org.uk.