Molesey Matters Roving Reporter Della Reynolds
Thank you for the music Musicland East is tucked away at the end of the Walton Road shops, just before you turn the corner into Matham Road. Off the beaten track you may think, but this tiny corner of the high street is a hive of activity as upwards of 300 students a week pass through the red door for their one-to-one music lessons. Catering for ages from 5 to 76 James Etherington, the General Managers says; We get a real opportunity to make a difference. The shop meant a lot to me growing up, and I can see it means a lot to some of our younger students now. The community atmosphere gives way to the tendency to dream big, and it's great to have a shop full of musicians and those who support them, seven days a week, in a community that lets it thrive. Although the shop has been here since 1996, I became interested when I got myself a small ukulele. I wandered in for some help getting started and found it was easy to book up a lesson as the teachers are skilled musicians in a range of instruments including guitar, drums, piano, and harmonica. So, whether you blow it, pluck it, bang it or strum it, they have an expert for you. I also liked the fact that you were not tied in to a series of lessons paid for up-front. You pay as you go at Musicland East and can opt for a schedule which suits your time limitations, though they recommend at least one half-hour a week. Playing a musical instrument has a surprising number of benefits. From improving memory, and reducing stress, to broadening your social circle, every child should have the opportunity to master a musical instrument of their choice. I know from my own efforts that the urge to achieve competency has developed discipline and determination. Contorting my peri-arthritic fingers round some of the more complex chords seemed impossible at To advertise email paul@villagematters.co.uk
22
first but with encouragement I persevered and can now deliver a passable rendition of You ve got a friend in me as long as I opt for the version without the barre chords. I liked the fact that my teacher, Tristram had me playing real songs from the very first lesson. If I want to wind down from the stress of a general election say, I find it restful to strum my ukulele chords as I watch TV with the sound down. Clearly, the best way to avoid indoctrination. And with just a little more practice I think I might be ready to go public. Why not. Sharing live music always creates a tingle of excitement which is why there are so many open mic venues in this area. Recognising the importance of public performance Musicland East host an annual Musicland Live event at Imber Court on Ember Lane, East Molesey. They hire a massive room and the students perform in bands or as individuals to friends and family. I ll let James describe the event. We've had a massive response to our larger Musicland Live events, which give our students the opportunity to get together into bands and have them perform on a proper stage and gain some experience. It's an annual concert our students put on in January at Imber Court, with around fifteen bands performing to an audience of well over 300 people. It s a great evening and we always sell hundreds of tickets, and it can only grow off the back of the community that supports it. Luckily, Molesey has a great one! The next event is Saturday 25th January 7.30pm – tickets £6. Come along, you may get inspired, it s never too late to learn. And if you see a woman of a certain age, bend her bony fingers round a variation of You ve got a friend in me that will be me. Or call Paul on 07946 494288