Dundonald kids to get free music lessons

May 20 2011 by Jennifer Buchanan, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A GROUP of kind-hearted musicians have teamed up to bring music to a new generation.

The village of Dundonald will host its own music festival at the end of the month, and the people behind it are not content with just performing to the public.

For the generous group will now give free lessons to the village primary pupils over the next school year.

The pupils will have the option to learn a wide variety of instruments like guitar, accordion and the hand held Irish drum called the bodhran.

Teacher Alison Armour said: “We’ll be teaching children right from primary one. They’ll probably be playing instruments like the penny whistle and recorder, but it’s about getting them interested in music.

“The primary one to three group will be called the Mini Music Makers and the primary four to sevens will be the Young Strums.”

The children have leapt at the chance to get some one-on-one music lessons.

Acting head teacher at Dundonald Primary, Rona Lindsay, said: “We’ve had a brilliant response from the children.

“So many of them are wanting to take part that we’re now trying to work out how to fit them all in.

“Right now the plan is to teach the children right after school finishes.”

Director of the Dundonald Music Festival, Tony Burne, will meet with the parents this week to discuss the classes.

Another organiser, Gordon McKee, said: “We’re hoping that in return for the lessons, the parents will come along to the festival and give the acts some support. We are a community festival, run by the community for the community and need all the support we can get.”

The group would like to say a special thank you to South Ayrshire Council, Patsy Devline and Alison Blair, whose grants and donations have allowed the free music lesson scheme to become a reality.

Dundonald Music Festival runs from Friday, May 27, until Sunday, May 29. For more information visit www.dundonaldmusicfest.org.uk