Conar Girvan delivers online tuition

Loud “n” Proud, based in Paisley, has a superb reputation as one of the nation’s leading youth music organisation.

But the coronavirus health emergency put its work – enabling young people to learn and enjoy music - in jeopardy as a result of social distancing rules.

A solution was quickly found in recent weeks to allow young musicians to carry on with their tuition as a result of online technology whereby participants can interact with one another online.

Linstone has been designated a community anchor organisation in Renfrewshire by the Scottish Government which has tasked Linstone with distributing money to groups working to combat the effects of coronavirus.

The money has come from the government’s Supporting Communities Fund – designed to help communities across the nation cope with the pandemic.

Loud “n’ Proud has used the money to pay for online support for young musicians who received no tuition due to the schools being closed since March. The charity applied for the funding and was successful with its application.

Over 170 young people are being helped across Renfrewshire in collaboration with other local providers – notably PACE Youth Theatre, the musical instrument and equipment library Music Broth and arts organisation Create Paisley.

Adele Fraser, chief executive of Linstone Housing, said: “Young people understandably miss their music and this funding which we are delighted to be distributing has provided a solution in these difficult times. Paisley and the wider Renfrewshire community has a vibrant creative sector which is particularly relevant to young people. Music very much forms part of that and Loud ‘n’ Proud are to be congratulated for adapting to a new way of learning.”

Tommy McGrory of Loud “n” Proud said: “I’d like to thank everyone involved in the administration of the grant. It has been good for us and we have come out of it in a better place. We have survived when it all looked so glum for us a few months ago.

“Before this we had never taught online. It is something that we can now include in our programme. We are pleased with the outcome and the lessons we have learned have added to our organisation.” 

One young student called Ross said: “The experience has been great for me. It was brilliant”

Drum teacher Conar Girvan added: “It has been lovely seeing Ross improve – not only from a playing perspective but in his confidence, too.”