Startforth’s Pat Baldwin is hoping to attract adults and youngsters to teach them their crotchets from their quavers on a ten week course starting Wednesday, January 17, from 6pm until 6.45pm.
The retired teacher still tutors privately but said she wanted to create something for the community.
“Sometimes I’ve had pupils who’ve not done an awful lot of sight reading practice,” she said.
“There are quite a lot of adults involved in community choirs and it can prove useful to older folk to get extra help just reading music.”
The ten week course is open to complete beginners and those wishing to brush up on their reading skills. People attending are welcome to bring along instruments to later sessions.
Ms Baldwin said: “Reading lessons really are a must if you want to take music on to any decent level. But they can just be for fun and improving your skills.”
The group reading sessions have been earmarked to take place at Startforth Community Centre but if there aren’t enough people, Ms Baldwin will host them at her Startforth Park home or via the U3A (University of the Third Age).
“I had been thinking about it on and off for the last few years,” she added.
“I ended up with this spare hour on a Wednesday and there was room available so thought it would be worth trying.”
Ms Baldwin moved to Teesdale 15 years ago and started playing the piano aged seven.
She said she gave it up “countless times” before finally persevering and becoming a teacher.
It was the recorder and the works of the late David Munrow who inspired her musically.
“The music was played by him with such life and vivacity – it was absolutely wonderful,” she said.
Full time teaching provision for music has fallen across state secondary schools in the past two decades.
It’s something which has bothered Ms Baldwin and has meant a sidelining of reading skills.
“Even when we were doing group teaching we would get people of different ability levels and were expected to teach listening skills, oral skills and sight reading in 20 minute lessons,” she added.
“So it was ridiculous really.”
Ms Baldwin has the use of a small keyboard but is searching for a full size instrument.
If anyone has one spare or is selling, please contact her on 01833 637468.
Sessions are open to adults and children aged 11 and older.
To book a spot at the lessons call the phone number above by January 10 or email b.winpatricia1970 @gmail.com
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