Free music lessons for NHS frontline staff at revamped studio for disadvantaged young people

A MUSIC studio for disadvantaged young people is making all the right sounds after beginning the year with a flourish.

Since launching last summer, Wrexham Sounds has made huge progress behind the scenes, forging new partnerships, and securing the services of talented freelance musicians and tutors to deliver lessons and activities across the genres.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic – and being unable to open fully due to Covid-19 safety measures – general manager Olivia Gallagher and directors are striding ahead in readiness for when they can open the doors fully and bring music to the lives of young people across the region.

Personal Skills courses have already taken place with learners from Bryn Tirion Hall School in Caergwrle, and parent and toddler activities were well-received in the autumn.

Freelancers are in place to teach piano, drums, guitar, violin, trumpet, DJ and mixing skills and connections have been made with leading organisations including Focus Wales, The Children’s University, WCD Young Carers and EYST.

The team are also celebrating grant support from AVOW – confirmed over the new year – to deliver free music lessons to NHS front line workers and carers, and from the WCVA Third Sector Relief Fund to enhance the services Wrexham Sounds can deliver to local organisations and families who refer children and young people to it.

So, when it is safe to do so and restrictions are eased, the not-for-profit enterprise can finally build on solid foundations and achieve its vision.

“So much has happened in the last six months, we have had an incredible response from the public, schools, local residents, charity organisations and supporters in the private and public sectors,” said Olivia.

“We are yet to become fully operational due to the pandemic and are under the same pressures faced by all organisations, but we are well placed to start delivering when things begin to open up again.”

She added: “There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and we are all confident when the time is right and it is safe to ‘go live’ the studio will be a hive of activity bringing together children and young people from across North Wales and beyond to experience the amazing opportunities we offer here, including our brilliant tutors and mentors who will no doubt make a big impact on their lives through music.”

Formerly Vic Studios, the not-for-profit organisation moved from the town’s Hill Street to Rhosrobin, where the building underwent a complete transformation.

As well as children and teenagers who will be referred to Wrexham Sounds via a range of local agencies and educators there will be sessions for pupils unable to access music lessons at school.

NOTES: Wrexham Sounds is supported by Wales Council for Voluntary Action, Cable Services Ltd, Pan Stone Europe Ltd, The National Lottery Community Fund, Thomas Howells North Wales Educational Fund, Temperance Hall Trust, Wrexham County Borough Council, Yamaha Music Europe, Arts Council Wales, WCVA Third Sector Resilience Fund, The Moondance Foundation, Blakemore Foundation and AVOW.