Free instrument loans allow young musicians to 'try before they buy'

A music initiative aimed at improving access to instruments has opened at libraries in East Lothian.

We Make Music allows people to rent an instrument for six weeks to find their rhythm before making a long-term commitment.

Nine-year-old Fergus is one of the pupils learning the recorder at school, but he’s now keen to change his tune and try something a bit more challenging.

Fergus is among those attending an instrument library session in Haddington to give the clarinet a whirl as part of the new initiative.

Charlotte McMillan from East Lothian Council said: “It’s the perfect opportunity for people to try before you buy, by coming and getting an instrument from your local library.

“There’s also the cost element. Instruments like a saxophone or a tuba are quite expensive, so this is a really good way to have a go, try it out, see whether it’s something you might quite like to do, and after that you can think about hiring one longer term.

“It’s well-known how well music develops other skills. It’s great for your cognition, it’s great for your memory, it’s proven to be great for mathematical development and literacy.

“There are so many reasons why you should have a go – if not just for fun.”

Since launching in 2021, We Make Music has expanded to 17 local authorities in Scotland and has hopes of expanding across the entire country by 2030.