Canolfan Gerdd William Music Centre in Caernarfon and Denbigh will be offering free music taster lessons during May 2017 for older people who are interested in taking up a new instrument or singing lessons.
This special offer is part of the Gwanwyn Festival, a month long national festival held across Wales in May each year. Recently the music centre received funding from the Gwanwyn Festival in order to offer free taster lessons to people over 50 years old as well as to hold a concert with present students during May.
According to Elinor Bennett, one of the founders of the Music Centre: “This provides a great opportunity for individuals over fifty to take up instrumental lessons after retirement – perhaps on an instrument that they have previously had lessons when they were a child, or to start instrumental or singing lessons for the first time. I sincerely hope that many people will take advantage of this exciting offer.”
There are over 45 experienced tutors at the William Mathias Music Centre who provide tuition on a broad range of instruments, including singing. It is possible to learn about the variety of lessons offered as well as booking a taster lesson by phoning Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias on 01286 685 230.
Elizabeth Jones from Talysarn receives lessons with Geraint Roberts and is also a member of Côr Hamdden Mathias. She said:
“I used to have singing lessons when I was about 15 year old onward, but had a break from the lessons when I started work, and I have now taken up lessons again after retiring.”
“Having singing lessons with Geraint Roberts at the music centre has given me confidence and I’m now thinking about getting back into competing.”
Another student who enjoys his lessons at the William Mathias Music Centre is Huw Roberts, a retired GP of four years. He said:
“After retiring I took the opportunity to join local choirs. I hadn’t received any singing tuition prior to this, and I therefore decided to start weekly singing lessons at the Music Centre in Caernarfon with Trystan Lewis.”
“I really enjoy my lessons – and feel lucky to have found such a patient and experienced tutor.”
Receiving weekly cello lessons is an important part of life for Sioned Huws from Caernarfon. She said:
“Music means a great deal to me – it lifts my spirits and helps to relieve boredom sometimes.”
Sioned receives cello lessons with Nicki Pearce as well as being part of the CGWM Adult Cello Ensemble.
As well as encouraging people to take up an instrument, there will also be an opportunity to celebrate the creativity of the music centre’s existing students, through the ‘Miwsig Mai’ concert held in Stiwdio 1 Galeri Caernarfon on the 18th of May.
In this concert, adults who receive lessons at the centre will have the opportunity to perform in an informal concert. As well as solo pieces by the students, the music centre’s choir, Côr Hamdden Mathias will also perform.
The choir was formed in 2015 and the members come together weekly during the school term on Thursday afternoons.
To organise your free taster lesson, phone Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias on 01286 685 230.
