HOWARTH OF LONDON INVITES UK MUSICIANS TO ‘TAKE IT AWAY’

Arts Council England initiative makes musical instruments affordable for aspiring musicians

Howarth of London has joined the Arts Council’s Take it away initiative that aims to make musical instruments and music lessons more easily affordable for families and those on lower incomes.

The scheme allows individuals to apply for a loan of up to £2,000 for the purchase of any kind of musical instrument, and pay it back in nine monthly instalments, completely interest free. Retailers around the country passed rigorous checks in order to be involved, demonstrating high levels of customer care in helping customers choose the right instrument for their needs.

Nigel Clark, Howarth of London sales director says: "This is a great opportunity for players who didn’t think they could afford it to choose the instrument they really want and ‘Take it Away’."

Hilary Boulding, Director, Music Strategy, Arts Council says "Learning a musical instrument is good fun and can also have great social benefits. We want to encourage as many people as possible to take part in the arts and Take it away is another way to help us achieve that.

The support of our nationwide network of skilled retailers is key to the success of this project and with their help we hope many more people in the UK will now enjoy the benefits of musicianship."

Following a successful six month pilot in the South East, Take it away loans will now be available through an extensive network of musical instrument retailers across the country.

From electric guitars to classical harps, all instruments are included in the scheme and are encouraged by Arts Council England. And, to help musical development and manage costs, equipment and services such as music stands, amplifiers, sheet music and tuition can also be included within the loan.

The initiative is open to everyone (over the age of 18) but is primarily designed to help people who might otherwise be unable to afford an instrument appropriate to their needs.

For further information on Take it away, visit the Take it away website.