New Music School Hits the Right Note

Peter Hain has hailed the introduction of a new music school to Neath as “a fantastic achievement” which will be “warmly welcomed by the community”.

The Neath MP recently visited the Neath Music Academy started by leading local businessman Adrian Bamford above his music shop located adjacent to Victoria Gardens in Neath Town centre.

Mr Bamford said: “The school started with the recession, our shop retail turnover has been hit hard, and this is our way of adapting with the times to survive.”

“I received help from the council to fund the small business initiative we had, we’re a small operation but throughout Neath Music we can keep about six people in work.”

The academy has since grown from its humble beginnings to employ three teachers currently teaching over sixty pupils.

Teachers Darren King, Luke Roberts & Dean Davies offer a variety of lessons, including one-to-one tuition on piano, violin, guitar amongst others with plans to expand in the near future.

Peter Hain said: “I’m hugely impressed by the facilities Neath Music have developed, the studio spaces are clearly done to a high specification and the team here have created a warm learning environment.”

“It’s vital in the age of austerity, that community leaders like Adrian step in where public services are unable to.”

“Arts funding has been slashed by this government, but Neath Music are making sure this does not deny children in Neath an opportunity to learn.”

Speaking of his optimism for the future Mr Bamford said: “The goal of the school is the survival business, to grow it into more than just a shop – we’ve been a business in this community for over thirty years and now we can evolve into a musical hub in the heart of Neath.”

Should you be interested in contacting the Neath Music Academy, please direct all enquiries to Adrian Bamford, 01639 631337, sales@neathmusic.com, Neath Music, Neath Music Ltd, 37 Water Street, Neath, SA11 3ET.