Musical MADDness returns to Antrim

AS we enter another decade this New Year, MADD (Musicians of Antrim District Development) are hoping to brighten up your February evenings with an exciting range of music classes to inspire your music making.

As you may be aware, MADD’s premises along with Clotworthy Arts Centre have temporarily closed due to a major scheme of refurbishment works happening at Antrim Castle Gardens.

In the interim, MADD are continuing to offer its range of guitar lessons and monthly music club through usage of Greystone and Stiles Community Centres in Antrim.

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Beginning in the first week of February, MADD are offering a range of guitar lessons suitable for all ages and abilities, with local tutor Tommy McMeekin.

If you have always had the intention of learning to play the guitar then look no further than the popular Guitar for Beginners class starting on Tuesday, February 2 at Stiles Community Centre, Fountain Hill, Antrim. This eight-week course runs from 7.45pm to 9.15pm and is ideal for anyone interested in either learning or improving their guitar playing, introducing you to basic minor and major chords, demonstrating playing techniques and giving tips and techniques on guitar maintenance – all with a practical hands-on approach. No previous experience of guitar playing or reading music is required and the class is suitable for all acoustic, electric and bass players – just remember to bring along your guitar!

If you have progressed from being a complete beginner at guitar but wish to learn new skills then Intermediate Guitar is the course for you! Ideally suitable for anyone who has learnt the basics of playing but is looking for tips and techniques to progress further, this eight-week course for those aged 12 years and over starts on Monday, February 1 at Greystone Community Centre, Ballycraigy Road, Antrim. Intermediate Guitar runs from 7.00pm to 9.00pm and again, all you need to remember is your guitar!

For those aged between seven to 11 years, eight-week guitar courses will be held in Greystone Community Centre starting on Wednesday, February 3. Beginner Guitar runs from 4.30pm to 5.30pm, Intermediate Guitar from 5.30pm to 6.30pm and Advanced Guitar from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

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Course fees range from 50-60 dependant on age. So whether you are seven or 70, there is a class suitable for you – grab those guitars and book your place with Catherine at MADD on 9448 1338, ext 3208.

4 Corners

Antrim’s dedicated Music festival returns this month, as music hits the 4 Corners of the borough from February 17-26.

Enjoy a wide range of music performances, exhibitions, master classes and workshops from pop to traditional via choral and classical, as the borough comes alive with music.

This year’s festival will include a special all ages event in Crumlin, a one-off music film screening at the Antrim Cineplex and a foot stomping, toe tapping Folk Finale at Aldergrove as well as the presentation of the Jim Gilchrist Music Maker Award – an award that is bestowed annually to a local musician who has demonstrated a significant level of achievement in their chosen area.

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Building on the success of last year’s festival, these nine day’s of music promises something for everyone, so make sure you bring some musical MADDness into your life this February.

Details of full programme will be available soon – keep your eyes peeled in the local press or log onto the dedicated website 4cornersmusicfestival.com from February 8!

For information or bookings call 02894 481338 and ask for Catherine at MADD on ext 3208! But remember, there are limited places available so early booking is recommended to reserve your place!

MADD gratefully acknowledges the support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland through its Lottery Projects Funding and Antrim Borough Council in implementing its training and Festival programme.

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