Free guitars on loan from the HAC, Kilwinning and Kilbirnie Libraries
Posted on 9 Jan 2023
Have you ever thought about beating the winter blues, by playing the blues?
If so, North Ayrshire Council’s Information and Culture team may well have the perfect outlet as they are encouraging people to take up a new hobby this winter… acoustic guitar!
All part of a brand-new project called We Make Music Instrument Libraries*, the learn-at-home opportunity is allowing people to borrow acoustic guitars from Kilwinning Library, Kilbirnie Library and the Harbour Arts Centre so that they can learn to strum at home, for free!
Guitars are one of the most universally played instruments and compared to other musical instruments like violin and piano, learning guitar is relatively easy to master.
Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Islands commented: “A great distraction during the chilly winter months when many of us want to retreat indoors, learning to play guitar has a host of benefits from boosting your confidence, improving memory and eye coordination, and providing an enjoyable outlet to relieve stress and anxiety.
“For those of you who have tried to learn guitar earlier in life, please remember that although it is tricky in the beginning - the reason why many people give up learning - it gets so much easier the more you practise. The We Make Music Instrument Libraries project is a brilliant learning opportunity in partnership with the Council to do just this… Much like borrowing a book from the library, it’s very easy to do. Simply pop along to the library in Kilwinning or Kilbirnie or over to the HAC and register your interest.
“The team will then provide you with an acoustic guitar, its own carry case and details of how to access the easy-to-follow online tutorial guide.
“This really is a great opportunity to learn something new so I would encourage anyone interested to get involved!”
To find out what else is happening at your local library, follow North Ayrshire Libraries on Facebook at: North Ayrshire Libraries | Facebook
For opening hours and further info about the Harbour Arts Centre, visit the website: Visitor information – The HAC
*We Make Music Scotland is a programme led by Scottish Charity, the Music Education Partnership Group.
The group advocates for excellent music education in Scotland in all forms, and brings together a wide range of partners, from young people and music teachers to schools and local authorities, universities and higher education, freelance music tutors, community music groups and other music organisations. Find out more about them via the website: About – We Make Music (wemakemusicscotland.org)
North Ayrshire Adult Learning Facebook page