New TV channel aims to tap musical potential

To anyone who has a musical instrument at home but forgotten how to play it, the launch of a new TV channel this week will be music to their ears.

The Musicians' Channel is dedicated to providing tuition to anyone from singers and DJs to pianists and violinists.

The first ever music tuition channel is founded on the idea that millions of people have musical potential but cannot afford lessons or have no time.

Launched on the Sky platform on Wednesday, the channel will cater for all levels of ability and has lined up a range of stars to pass on their knowledge.

For those more at home in the nightclub than the concert hall there will be tips on how to DJ and MC.

The channel will also give music-related tips – from advice on how to protect your song copyright to the best way a roadie should carry an amplifier up the stairs.

The European-wide Channel, the M-Channel for short, will also feature music videos so that viewers can see their favourite performers.

Musicians performing on the channel include world famous percussionist Evelyn Glennie, and classical pianist Freddy Kempf. Queen guitarist Brian May is one of the stars they hope to line up for a documentary.

New research in the UK by the National Campaign for the Arts suggests that as many people play an instrument as play football.

Co-founder Jonathan Macdonald said: “The M-Channel is for people who are interested in playing as well as those who do already, from the beginners to advanced.

“The channel was born when we realised how many people have musical potential but don’t have the resources or guidance to get started or progress.

“Many people just don’t have the time or financial capability to grasp these opportunities and the channel will give them this.”

M-Channel will begin by providing tuition on rock and pop and move on to classical music in the autumn.