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One lucky girl has been perfecting her plectrum skills thanks to a remarkable free guitar scholarship, courtesy of Harmony Music School and their world famous patron, guitarist Joe Bonamassa.

Harmony Music School offered the scholarship in partnership with Shiregreen Community Homes’ Neighbourhood Challenge, to help provide local children with an opportunity that would not ordinarily be open to them.

This year’s lucky recipient Chloe Pye, aged 10, was picked from many hopeful applicants, after winning over the panel with her determination and commitment to learning the guitar.

Chloe has so far recorded a 100% attendance at her lessons and is progressing brilliantly, according to tutor Aubrey Robinson, Harmony Music School’s founder. Aubrey said: “I feel really strongly that music education should be accessible to all. Unfortunately, over the years, we have seen a reduction in music education in schools, but we felt a scholarship could help someone.

“All our teachers have experience performing and playing all over the country and I think it is important to be able to offer real experience to our students and help them to realise their own musical ambitions.  Having our patron support the scholarship helps us to raise awareness of the need to deliver quality music tuition to children.”

Chloe, from Shiregreen, said: “The scholarship has been really fun and exciting so far. I’m learning to read music and to play the guitar, and I’m looking forward to playing more songs in the future. I also got the chance to meet with Joe Bonamassa at the Sheffield Arena, which was just awesome!”

Two runner up prizes were also awarded, to Josenanna Anne Matthews, age 10, and Liz Green, age 12.  Josenanna and Liz each received 10 free guitar lessons and a selection of music books.

Scholarship founder Joe Bonamassa said: “Music and musical education should be accessible to all people, whatever their situation and the work we do at Harmony is a great opportunity.

“It’s vital that we cultivate a new generation of music makers from every background. This will ensure the variety and richness of musical creativity is preserved for the future.”
Colleen Eccles, project manager for Shiregreen Community Homes, part of Sanctuary Group, added: “Music has a uniting quality that has the power to bond people and communities. There are many children who want to get involved with music but the costs can be prohibitive.

“Shiregreen’s Neighbourhood Challenge is all about celebrating and uncovering people’s talents and developing them for a brighter future. This scholarship does just that by offering at least one young person a real opportunity in music.”

Harmony Music School is based in Sheffield and offers one to one music lessons to children and adults of all ages for a variety of instruments including voice. To find out more please visitwww.harmonymusicschool.co.uk