Online music lessons across Brighton and East Sussex

The education music service run by Brighton & Hove Music & Arts (BHMA) and East Sussex Music (ESM) normally teaches more than 5,000 pupils each week with instrumental and vocal lessons in schools.

Physical lessons had to be cancelled when schools closed in March and social distancing measures were implemented due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But since then, virtual tutorials have been set up for children to join live classes online. More than 2,000 children have signed up to take part in lessons with professional music teachers beginning from the summer term (April 20).

Peter Chivers, head of Brighton & Hove Music & Arts, said: “Despite not being able to physically teach pupils, we want to continue to support young musicians with practising their skills while they are in isolation with their families at home.

“Playing music has been proven to have a positive impact on mental health and now more than ever, children and young people are going to need extra help and encouragement to stay motivated. By providing an online music service we also hope parents and carers can have some respite from the everyday stress of family life during lockdown.”

The music service is encouraging more parents to register so teachers can resume tuition to full capacity and encourage young people to keep making music.

Pupils who haven’t previously taken part in school lessons can still participate in singing tuition or play an instrument available to them at home including wind, string, keyboards and percussion.

Helen Erikson, parent of music student Ilyanna said: “We’re really glad we signed up for the online lessons. It was very easy to set up, even for the non-techy. It was great for our daughter to get that feedback again and the motivation to keep her skills up.”

Student Ilyanna added: “I really enjoyed my online lesson. It was great to have face-to-face contact with my teacher again. I felt really supported in my playing and how to improve just like the lessons I am used to. The technology worked really well and I’m looking forward to my next lesson!”

Lessons will start online for ten weeks from the school summer term and are suitable for ages eight to 18. Previous musical experience isn’t necessary. Subsidised fees and bursaries are available for families on low income.

Musician and Founder of Knight Classical, Alexandra Knight said: “Whether we play the piano or sing in the shower, music has the power to nourish our souls quite unlike anything else. In this time of global crisis, it therefore remains as constant and as vital a support as ever. As an alumna of BHMA, I was delighted to learn of this inspirational online teaching initiative and fully applaud all those who partake in it!”

For further information or to register visit:

https://www.eastsussexmusic.org/ or https://www.bhma.org.uk

Email enquiries: [email protected]

BHMA and ESM are music services managed by Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival.

BHMA provides high quality and inclusive music and arts education and performance opportunities for all children and young people across the city including music lessons, ensembles, projects, workshops, orchestras, summer schools and dance classes.

BHMA is the lead partner of the award winning SoundCity, the Music Education Hub for Brighton & Hove, working alongside partners that include Audio Active, Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival, Glyndebourne, Rhythmix, University of Sussex, Royal Pavilion and Museums, representatives from Public Health and the Music Industry.

ESM provides music lessons and activities for more than 7,000 children and young people in East Sussex. Services include: weekly instrumental lessons in local schools in every part of East Sussex; bands, choirs and orchestras, including our local Area Music Centres in Wealden, Eastbourne, Hastings and Lewes; and a range of creative and exciting music activities at weekends and during the holiday performances, events and training for schools, their staff and pupils.

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