Why we need more programs like the "Play Me I'm Yours," project:

So, I'm going to start this blog post by assuming that you have probably begun to notice the increasing amount of pianos popping up in public transport areas such as airports and train stations. Well, this is actually all thanks to the amazing project "Play Me I'm Yours," which surfaced in 2008 by a British artist 'Luke Jerram.' This project offered a new way to help make music accessible and take it back to it's roots and make it available to all as oppose to the new unattractive elitist profession it has become.

The reason that I am so passionate about projects like these is our music culture is dying. Everyone is in agreement that TRSMT will become an annual event but nobody wants to fund music education. You can't preach about how amazing 'Bohemian Rhapsody' was whilst advocating or supporting the current cuts in music.

Being able to participate in music is a privilege especially so if you play an instrument. I don't come from a particularly wealthy family or area so I understand that it is a huge privilege that I have been fortunate enough that my parents have been able to buy my guitars as I would not be in my degree without these.

However, here lies the problem music education is not accessible to the masses with current cuts in music education and the extortionate prices of privatised tutors. This is just not manageable to many families which means we as a country are missing out on so many possible talented musicians, because lets remember music is non biased, its not racist, homophobic or sexist. It's a freakin' feminist! An activist for the middle class. Non-biased against ethnic minorities and supportive and inclusive of all religions. Music doesn't care who you are, it's down to talent and most of all unfortunately the education you have access to.

It's essential as is important to remember that music is a language and everyone knows that learning a language when you're younger is a hundred times easier than once you reach adulthood. This is why cutting music eduction from schools especially primaries is near enough insane.

This brings be back to how projects such as the 'Play Me I'm Yours' project are so important because these help bring back the accessibility into music. It provides a free space where people can go to practice or even just to express themselves through their music. Though there are without a doubt disadvantages to this particular project such as it may not suit people with anxiety disorders due to the busy public locations and the fact that the individual is required to have a musical background as there is no teaching obviously. Even with these disadvantages it is definitely a step in the right direction if you ask me.

So, I'll leave you with some food for thought. We need more projects like these and it is not one individuals problem to fix. We have been failed by our education system, councils and government. It has now fallen to our hands to bond together as a society to offer help o our youth and where the future of music lies. Ways you can help are donating unwanted instruments to schools, if you're a parent express your gratitude of your school offering the opportunity to pursue the arts even if its not your child's chosen interest and donate to music organisations.

Research was carried out from street pianos.com