Community Use strikes a chord across Fife

A person sits indoors holding and playing a black acoustic guitar during a lesson or group music session. Another participant is visible out of focus in the foreground, also holding a guitar. The setting has wooden wall panels and soft lighting, creating an informal learning environment. 

Hundreds of people across Fife are taking part in music activities every week through Community Use schools, from instrument lessons and choirs to orchestras, drumming groups and musical theatre.

Recent information gathered from Fife Council's Community Use schools shows more than 250 children, young people and adults attend regular music lessons each week. Opportunities are available for all experience levels, with popular classes including guitar, piano, drumming, violin, accordion, chanter and keyboard.

Many participants use the lessons to prepare for graded music examinations, while others go on to perform in public, join local bands or take part in community music groups.

Beyond weekly lessons, Community Use schools provide venues for a range of music organisations, including the Central Area Orchestra, Inverkeithing Community Big Band, Fife Orchestra, Sing in the City Choir and Harbour Lights Musical Theatre Group, which involves around 60 young people preparing for annual stage productions.

Community Use facilities also host a variety of musical events throughout the year, including piano recitals, community concerts, fundraising showcases, open mic nights and large-scale choir rehearsals. Several groups connected to Community Use venues have also performed at major Scottish venues such as the Edinburgh Tattoo, Usher Hall and SEC Hydro.

Activities are available for all ages and abilities, from beginners learning their first instrument to experienced musicians looking to perform with local groups or return to music after time away.

Cllr Linda Erskine, spokesperson for communities and leisure said: "Community Use venues provide opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in music in their local area. From learning an instrument for the first time to performing with an orchestra, choir or theatre group, there are activities available for a wide range of interests and experience levels.

"It's encouraging to see so many people taking part each week and making use of these opportunities to learn new skills, perform and meet others who share their interests."

Community Use music activities currently take place at venues across Fife:

  • Balwearie High School
  • Beath High School
  • Caledonia High School
  • Dunfermline High School
  • Glenwood Community Use
  • Kennoway Primary School
  • Levenmouth Academy
  • Queen Anne High School
  • Waid Community Campus
  • Windmill Community Campus

Interested in getting involved? Find music lessons and groups near you through the Community Use programme at https://active.fife.scot/

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