Virtual music lessons keeping the beat going in Bath and North East Somerset

Hundreds of children missing out on school-based music lessons during coronavirus are carrying on playing and singing thanks to online tuition set up by Bath & North East Somerset Council in partnership with Musictutors.co.uk.

The council’s music service team has arranged a safe, bespoke online teaching platform that allows pupils to enjoy lessons virtually with their usual tutor in real time.

There is tuition available on a range of instruments including bass guitar, oboe and cello through to orchestral percussion and voice lessons.

More than 500 children have already signed up to the service with the number of applications increasing daily.

The tuition has been offered to all pupils who were having one-to-one and small group lessons in the spring term and the music service has worked closely with Alex Wibrew, CEO of MusicTutors.co.uk, to meet the demand for lessons.

Councillor Kevin Guy, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “Music has many benefits for our physical and mental wellbeing and helps children’s development, which is even more important in the current circumstances. I’m delighted that we have been able to help pupils in Bath and North East Somerset to continue nurturing their musical talents. The service provides a way for children and staff to connect at a time when we are all having to live separately from our communities. It’s already a great success and I’d encourage more parents to apply for their children to join.”

Alex Wibrew, CEO of MusicTutors.co.uk, said: "We are delighted to be working with B&NES music service. Feedback on the service so far has been extremely positive - it's a fantastic achievement to have a large service up and running in a short amount of time."

MusicTutors.co.uk is a secure portal. Parents and staff are required to sign safeguarding agreements before beginning lessons.

For more information about the council’s music service visit: www.banesmusiconline.co.uk

All updates on council services can be found at www.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus