Wherever you live, there will be a range of provisions from your local council for music. This will vary according to your authority's priorities and structure, however in most areas you will find:
- a School Music Service or Coordinator
- an Arts Development Team
- Your local library
School Music Services exist to support, extend and enrich the school curriculum. Each local education authority has it's own dedicated music service providing tuition, orchestras and ensembles, curriculum support & resources, concerts and workshops, and instrumental loans or hire, through schools.
For pre-school children you will find that your local SureStart, nursery, playgroup or parent and toddler group involve music in their activities, and some of them might run specific music groups. Visit the SureStart website at www.surestart.gov.uk or contact your local authority's Children's Information Service.
Your local arts development team will be working throughout your community to provide arts opportunities for adults and young people. You will find them working with community and youth centres and groups as well as with schools and local businesses.
Arts development teams run a number workshops at Youth Centres for rock bands, rappers & MCs, singers, and aspiring DJs and producers.
Don't forget about your local library either! Most Libraries provide a range of music books, sheet music and access to PCs where you can learn about and listen to music online. Some, like the Sound Gallery at Gateshead Central Library offer a huge range of music on CD & DVD.
