Exciting musical opportunities for young people in and around Thetford

Thetford Music Project is a marvellous resource for the children of Thetford and the surrounding area, especially for families for whom expensive private tuition may be out of reach. Learning a musical instrument is such a worthwhile skill to gain and being encouraged to join ensembles from an early age helps build confidence and team-work. It’s always been delightful to see the children who’ve just started to learn an instrument in September get on the stage at Christmas to give a squeaky rendition of “Twinkle, twinkle little star” and to see how much they gain from that experience. Also, these youngsters are much encouraged to continue by watching the older, more experienced students give their performances.

Over the years, as TMP students have progressed, they have been encouraged to take ABRSM or Rock School music exams and many have joined larger Norfolk and Suffolk youth ensembles. Some former TMP students have gone on to further music study and to make music their career whilst others have chosen to continue with music as a hobby and are making a contribution to their local communities through the bands, orchestras and choirs they have joined. In recent years an increasing number of students have continued with lessons and playing in TMP ensembles into their sixth form years. Older and former students have been encouraged to help the younger children and at least one former student who started guitar lessons at TMP later came back to teach. All this is a testament to just how well TMP works!

TMP is a worthwhile local charity to support and I wish it all the best for continuing to give great musical opportunities to the children of Thetford in the future.

Yours sincerely

Julie Settle

Thank YOU, Julie, and hear-hear!