As you walk through Leeds West Academy on Saturday mornings the halls are filled with the usual sound of children chattering in between classes, writes Victoria Ogle.
There is, however, a key difference – the sound of music filtering through from the classrooms. Drums can be heard, alongside violins, clarinets, guitars, keyboards and more.
A Concert Band rehearses upstairs just down the corridor from the Beginners’ and Senior Orchestras. This is the sound of West Leeds Music Centre.
Still looking for new players to come join our band! pic.twitter.com/6gpSsBTumk
— W Leeds Music Centre (@WestLeedsMusic) March 18, 2017
The music centre is run by Yorkshire Music Education Service (YMES), a not-for-profit community- interest company that keeps the importance of music education in the community at its heart.
YMES also provides music teachers for school instrumental lessons and home tuition.
All the teachers are thoroughly vetted before being employed by the service, ensuring high-quality lessons and adherence to their strict safeguarding policy. This eliminates the uncertainty that schools and parents often face when looking for an instrumental teacher to provide tuition to both children and adults.
All levels of ability are catered for at the music centre, meaning that children and adults of all ages are welcomed through its doors to learn music.
Various options are available for learning an instrument as classes are available in small groups and for individuals.
Lessons are offered at a variety of levels to make sure that the students are getting the most out of their learning experience and enjoying themselves as much as possible.
The Beginners’ Orchestra provides an opportunity for string, woodwind and brass players with just three notes or more to play in a group and further develop their musical skills and enjoyment.
As these players progress they can then move on to the Senior Orchestra when they feel ready.
For woodwind, brass and percussion players there is also the West Leeds Concert Band which takes players of ABRSM grade three and above.
Every term the music centre puts on a small informal concert, giving students the opportunity to play to each other and their families and perform what they have learned.
West Leeds Music Centre is bringing music-making to the community of West Leeds with a focus on having fun as well as high-quality tuition. And it’s all here on our doorstep in West Leeds.
West Leeds Music Centre is open every Saturday morning during term time from 9am – 12.30pm at Leeds West Academy (via back entrance on Summerfield Drive, LS13 1AJ).
For more information please look at our website or telephone us on 07528 586 139.
