Free music school opens in Dudley

A special launch event was held on Saturday for Learn Music For Free, which will now be based at the Abberley Street Centre, in Abberley Street.

Set up by Errol Melbourne, the school aims to teach children and young people to learn music – free of charge – to combat high prices of music lessons.

Mr Melbourne said: "It is about getting people to come to the school and learn music for free. We run the programme for parents who can't pay the high prices of music tuition.

"People can learn instruments right across the board – keyboard, guitar, bass, drums, percussion.

"As a child I was never allowed drums. I learnt to play on dustbins. That's what drove me to start this.

"The high costs of music lessons, then especially if you want to take exams it can cost between £100 to £135.

"It is open for children aged between five and 17 years old and we do private lessons for adults too."

The Mayor of Dudley Councillor David Stanley and Dudley North MP Ian Austin also attended the launch event on Saturday, as well Wolverhampton Reggae artist Macka B.

Mr Austin added: "Learning to play a musical instrument is a really important skill but so often parents are priced out of giving their children this opportunity.

“That’s why a new free music school will be really crucial in giving young people these important skills.

“I hope that many parents can bring their kids along to learn music for free.”

For more information about Learn Music For Free, call Errol on 07854 042668 or call the Abberley Street Centre on 01384 256365.