Thank you for registering for Learn to Play ’26, it’s fantastic to have you on board!
Whether you’re getting involved for the first or tenth time, this exclusive web page for participating providers is your information hub to easily access the latest resources and updates required for you to run your Learn to Play event successfully and safely!
If you have any questions, want to seek further guidance, or have any suggestions about additional resources you would like to see here, please email: ltpproviders@musicforall.org.uk.
Once you have all your event details confirmed, it’s important to consider how and where you are going to promote your event to ensure a successful experience. From the feedback in previous years, we have found that the providers who are proactive in marketing their events locally in the lead up to the LTP weekend have the busiest turnout!
For all participating providers, we recommend advertising your event through:
To support your promotional efforts, click through the below tabs to view this year’s PR support offer, download the logos, access the posters (including editable versions) and order a promo pack:
The Learn to Play ’26 logo is available in a square and banner format to accommodate different uses.
We currently have the following options:
If you require any specific date combinations, please email: ltpproviders@musicforall.org.uk
Click on the below link to view and download the logos you require:
Click below to download!
The Power of Music Making Poster – additional for 2026!
You can also download editable versions of the posters to add your own details in and print. Simply download the poster size of your choice and edit the date field under the logo to show which day/s you are taking part. Then add in any other relevant details into the ‘insert your text here’ box. Or if you are familiar using Canva, you could upload it and make your changes on there.
By signing up to be a Learn to Play ‘26 Provider, you are joining a national music making initiative in the UK, and we can support your promotional efforts by:
If you would like us to pitch to regional press outlets in your area, you must provide a quote and images to support your individual press release.
*By no later than 5pm, Wednesday 30th September*
LTP ’26 promo packs will include:
* Don’t forget you can also print off the posters yourself and/or make your own customised versions for free. Simply click on the next tab!
Planning some social media posts to advertise your Learn to Play event can be a fast and effective tool to let your online audience know what you have to offer. Even if you’re not really familiar with social media yet, promoting Learn to Play can be a good excuse to give it a go for the first time!
🌟 Top tip! Successful communication is often about repetition so don’t just post one message, several over the weeks leading up to the event will reach more people and each time you will be able to tell participants more about your event.
Don’t forget to tag us in your social media postings and we will be happy to like and re-share your content to help you reach a wider audience!
Music for All social media platforms:
Facebook: Music for All
Instagram: @musicforallcharity
Threads: @musicforallcharity
Bluesky: @mfacharity.bsky.social
Linkedin: Music for All
Here is some core text you could use, simply tweak the details underlined to make it relevant to your event:
Visit us for a FREE music lesson!
We’re taking part in Learn to Play ‘26 which means you can visit us to enjoy a free taster music lesson on X October! Whether you are a budding or lapsed musician, we welcome everybody to come and make some music. Learning to play the X/sing is fun, challenging and fantastic for your mental health and wellbeing. Come and discover the joy of music making by booking/drop-in details now!
These are the popular hashtag’s to include:
#LearnToPlay
#LearnToPlay26
#MusicforAll
#MakingMusicChangesLives
Things you could add:
Overall, any content created should provide value to the viewer. What the focus of the content could be depends on the platform. However, overall, these are the main types of content you should aim for:
❗Creating an event on Facebook can also be a effective way to promote your event online. Click here for instructions on how to do this.
You can share the following posts types:
As you can see, most of the platforms above allow you to add a picture or video to your posts. When capturing and choosing visuals for your posts please keep in mind that:
Depending on the content, consider adding a trending sound to it to boost reach. You can have a look here for currently trending sounds that could be used.
❗️If you are a business and want to use the footage for commercial use, please make sure you have the rights to the sound! When in doubt, please choose an audio from the META commercial library to be on the safe side
It is essential that all venues consider Safeguarding and Health & Safety procedures, taking appropriate measures to ensure the venue has complied with the basic Health and Safety standards expected for a Learn to Play event.
We also strongly advise all venues to carry out an appropriate risk assessment before your Learn to Play activity.
Health & Safety Executive has some useful guidance and information regarding risk assessments, see here for more information.
The Musicians Union have risk assessment resources available here.
NSPCC also have guidance about writing safeguarding policies and procedures.
Here are some tips and considerations to read through as you prepare to deliver your Learn to Play event. Helping you to ensure everyone participating, both staff and music-makers feel welcomed, comfortable and excited to enjoy the day!
Many people of all ages can be intimidated by music environments with worries such as – will I understand, will I be any good, will they be patient with me?
Therefore, it’s really key to be welcoming and friendly to everyone coming through the doors. The knowledge and opportunities that you are offering through Learn to Play will help to bypass the fear of trying a new musical experience and spark a passion for making music!
A way to add to your event and draw in more people is to provide additional offers alongside the taster lessons such as activities, competitions and freebies. These can also provide something for people to do whilst they might be waiting for their lesson.
These could include:
Free prize draws
Competitions
Music related activity sheets
Raffles
Refreshments
The day provides a fantastic opportunity for you to promote and talk about everything unique to your organisation such as its history and how it came to exist, what else you offer throughout the year, particular age related opportunities, what products or services you offer and how they can sign-up for them.
Whatever is great or unique about your organisation, be sure to talk about it and give people more information, and if possible encourage people to sign-up to your mailing list. Once you get them through the door, encourage them to return!
And remember, many of the people who are just ‘watching’ on the day may actually want to find out more or become musicians themselves so chat to everyone.
If you are selling instruments and/or promoting music lessons on the day, here are some extra considerations:
Have plenty of sign-up forms available and/or people on hand to process the purchases/book future lessons
Offer on the day incentives such as a reduction for immediate sign up/purchase and think about whether you can offer further incentives for bulk bookings.
In store, consider what bundles you can offer on the day for anyone new to learning an instrument and make sure these offers are visible.
We encourage all providers to take photos and/or videos of their Learn to Play event, capturing the essence of the day and the joy of visitors playing an instrument in your venue!
It’s really important to make sure your visitors are aware you will be capturing media and informed as to how it will be used. Please ensure you have photography signage clearly displayed in your venue.
You can download and print the below signage and consent forms which cover use of the media by yourself and Music for All.
Learn to Play ’26 Photography and Filming Signage
We continually strive to improve the event, and feedback is essential in helping us secure key funding to keep this project running and developing.
We would love to increase hearing from the participants you engage with, so we would be thankful if you could please encourage your participants to complete a feedback form immediately after their lesson.
You could:
🔗 Click here to access the online participant feedback form
🔗 Click here to download a paper version of the feedback form
🔗 Click here to download an A4 poster with the form QR code
Your feedback
Your insights and comments on the preparation, progress, and support for the event also play a vital role in extending access to music-making across the UK. Please take a moment to complete the provider feedback form when you reflect on your Learn to Play ‘26 experience.
As you get closer to the Learn to Play weekend, here is a guide of things for you to ‘tick off’ whilst you get your venue ready to welcome visitors.
Not everything may be applicable to your event, but please do carefully consider how your venue can be health and safety secure.
Download and print your copy below:
Dear Providers,
Welcome to your first Learn to Play ’26 update email! You’ll receive these emails roughly once a month in the lead-up to the LTP weekend, letting you know of any project news alongside reminders of resources to support your planning.
In this email, I’m providing you with the private resources web page – exclusive to participating LTP ‘26 Providers and introducing you to the core LTP staff team.
Learn to Play Provider Resources (bookmark this link!): https://www.musicforall.org.uk/learn-to-play-provider-resources/ .That is the link to all the guidance, advice and templates to help you plan, prepare for and market your events to deliver a successful Learn to Play. We strongly recommend spending a bit of time familiarising yourself with this web page, especially if this is your first time getting involved.
The team!
You may receive correspondence from three core members of this year’s Learn to Play team:
Wallis Leahy – Projects Coordinator (me!)
Jessica Waterman – Learn to Play ‘26 Assistant
Rachael Diamond – Music for All PR Consultant
You can read about our backgrounds on the ‘Who We Are’ page on our website.
Please don’t hesitate to reply to these emails with any queries you may have, we’re more than happy to support your planning in the coming months.
Let’s make Learn to Play ‘26 the best one yet!
Best wishes,
Wallis.
Dear Providers,
Welcome to July’s Learn to Play ’26 update email!
(For anyone who has recently registered – you’ll receive these emails roughly once a month in the lead-up to the LTP weekend, letting you know of any project news alongside reminders of resources to support your planning. You can view all past update emails at the very bottom of the resource page)
🌟 Learn to Play Provider Resources (bookmark this link!): https://www.musicforall.org.uk/learn-to-play-provider-resources/
🌟 Learn to Play ‘26 Partners
We are delighted to announce that we have seven partners for this year’s Learn to Play, the most we have ever had! Our fantastic partners help us spread the word of LTP – encouraging more providers like you to register and by letting the general public know that the event is happening to engage more participants to get involved.
If you would like to know more about this year’s partners, click on the links below:
Black Lives in Music
Making Music
Music Industries Association
Music Mark
Music Teachers Association
Rockschool
Take it Away
Please don’t hesitate to reply to these emails with any queries you may have, we’re more than happy to support your planning in the coming months.
Best wishes,
Wallis.
Dear Providers,
Welcome to August’s Learn to Play ’26 update email!
(For anyone who has recently registered – you’ll receive these emails roughly once a month in the lead-up to the LTP weekend, letting you know of any project news alongside reminders of resources to support your planning. You can view all past update emails at the very bottom of the LTP resource page:
Learn to Play Provider Resources (bookmark this link!): https://www.musicforall.org.uk/learn-to-play-provider-resources/
🌟 Promotional Support: ACTION REQUIRED
This year, we are asking all providers to confirm if they would like to receive a physical promo pack and/or PR support to help us be more sustainable.
🔗 Please complete and submit this form to confirm your promotional support requests.
Please also note that we are asking for a small contribution to the costs of packing and postage at £5 per pack.
🌟 Personnel Change
Jessica Waterman has now left Music for All, but our wonderful Music for All Communications Assistant Viv Berg has stepped in as Learn to Play ‘26 Assistant. She has a strong background in Social Media Management and Marketing, so feel free to email her directly if you would like some extra support/ideas on how to promote your event!
Please don’t hesitate to reply to these emails with any queries you may have, we’re more than happy to support your planning in the coming months.
Best wishes,
Wallis.
Dear Providers,
Welcome to September’s Learn to Play ’26 update email. One month to go until the weekend begins!
(For anyone who has recently registered – you’ll receive these emails roughly once a month in the lead-up to the LTP weekend, letting you know of any project news alongside reminders of resources to support your planning. You can view all past update emails at the very bottom of the LTP resource page:
Learn to Play Provider Resources (bookmark this link!): https://www.musicforall.org.uk/learn-to-play-provider-resources/
🌟 The Activity Map is Live
Members of the public can now view your event details via the activity map and spreadsheet on our website, here. Let us know if any of your details need updating.
🌟 Promoting Your Event
It’s important to consider how and where you are going to promote your event to ensure a successful experience. From the feedback in previous years, we have found that the providers who are proactive in marketing their events locally in the lead up to the LTP weekend have the busiest turnout!
We recommend advertising your event through:
To support your promotional efforts, head to the’ Promoting Your Event’ section on the resource page to view this year’s PR support offer, download the logos, access the posters (including editable versions) and order a promo pack! *Packs should be ordered no later than 5pm 30th September.
Please don’t hesitate to reply to these emails with any queries you may have, we’re more than happy to support your planning in the remaining weeks.
Best wishes,
Wallis.
Dear Providers,
Two weeks to go until the weekend begins!
Here are a few reminders to consider as you make the final arrangements for your event:
Learn to Play Provider Resources: https://www.musicforall.org.uk/learn-to-play-provider-resources/
If you’ve recently registered, be sure to look at the above link to access all the LTP digital resources and guidance.
Risk assessments and health and safety policies: It is essential that all providers consider Safeguarding and Health & Safety procedures, taking appropriate measures to ensure the venue you will be delivering in will comply with basic Health and Safety standards. Visit the ‘Risk assessments and health and safety policies’ section on the page for further advice.
🌟 PR Support and Promo Packs
If you would like free PR support and/or a promo pack, please complete the request form below as soon as possible.
*Packs should be ordered no later than 5pm 30th September to guarantee delivery.
🔗 Click here to submit your promotional support requests.
Please don’t hesitate to reply to these emails with any queries you may have, we’re more than happy to support your planning.
Best wishes,
Wallis.
Dear Providers,
Ahead of the event, we would like to share the Learn to Play feedback forms with you. We continually strive to improve the event, and feedback is essential in helping us secure key funding to keep this project running and developing.
We would love to increase hearing from the participants you engage with, so we would be thankful if you could please encourage your participants to complete a feedback form immediately after their lesson.
You could:
🔗 Click here to access the online participant feedback form
The paper version and QR poster are also attached to this email, or you can download them in the ‘Preparing for your event’ section on the resources page.
Your feedback
Your insights and comments on the preparation, progress, and support for the event also play a vital role in extending access to music-making across the UK. Please take a moment to complete the provider feedback form when you reflect on your Learn to Play ‘26 experience.
🔗 Click here to access the provider feedback form
Access all Provider Resources here.
❗If you would like to order a promo pack or request PR feedback, today is the last day to do so! Simply fill in the form here.
Thank you once again for joining Learn to Play this year. We look forward to hearing all about your event’s success!
Best,
Viv and the Learn to Play team
Dear Providers,
This time next week, Learn to Play will be in full swing! We hope you’re feeling confident in the events you have planned and are looking forward to welcoming people through your doors for music making!
Now is the time to draw your attention to the final section on the LTP resources page – Preparing for your event. Which includes tips and considerations to read through as you prepare to deliver your Learn to Play event. Helping you to ensure everyone participating – both staff and music-makers feel welcomed, comfortable and excited to enjoy the day!
This section includes:
Learn to Play Provider Resources: https://www.musicforall.org.uk/learn-to-play-provider-resources/
Viv and I will be around every day next week right through the LTP weekend, so do reach out if you have any last minute queries!
Best wishes,
Wallis.
Dear Providers,
Learn to Play ‘26 is here! 🎉 Myself, Viv and everyone at Music for All hope you have a great few days connecting with your local community through the magic of music making.
Participants – Feedback and Continued Learning
Please encourage your participants to complete a feedback form immediately after their lesson. You could:
🔗 Click here to access the online participant feedback form
The paper version and QR poster are also attached to this email, or you can download them in the ‘Preparing for your event’ section on the resources page.
We’d also like to share some opportunities for your participants to support them on their music-making journey after Learn to Play:
🎶 Music for All’s Learn to Play Award
If your participants enjoyed the lessons over the Learn to Play weekend, but find themselves financially unable to progress their musical journey, they can apply for the Learn to Play Award. This award is open to individuals living in deprived or marginalised areas and wish to continue their music-making journey. A grant of up to £800 is available for this award.
🎶 Take it Away
Take it Away offers interest-free loans for musical instruments, tuition, equipment, and software. Participants can shop in-store and online with a participating Take it Away retailer.
🎶 Rockschool
Rockschool are a leading international awarding body and music education network and are offering Learn to Play Participants 2 weeks of free access to their new learning platform Backstage, with full access to all the RSL/Rockschool Digital e-books. Click here to access the free trial.
You can find all the information about the offers on the postcards in your promo pack, which you can hand out during your taster sessions. Alternatively, you can download the attached version, which you can print or share digitally with your participants.
Good luck everyone, and enjoy!
Best wishes,
Wallis.
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