Immerse yourself in a celebration of leisure-time music at the Barbican Music Library in London, running from 16 January to 23 March 2019.
From all corners of the UK, Making Music member groups have sent us their posters and recordings, and told us why they love making music in a group so much.
We’ve gathered all of these visuals, sounds and words together to create a vibrant collection that reflects the breadth and variety of the leisure-time music scene. Browse the posters and listen and watch audio and video recordings of a range of groups in action, and read about the stories of some of these groups in more depth.
Involvement in music is for everyone, whatever their background or previous experience, and what it can bring to their life. We’ve taken quotes and stories from groups and woven them around colourful infographics on the leisure-time music sector and photographic portraits we have commissioned of individual leisure-time musicians in their day-time role, juxtaposed with their musical activity.
Click below to browse photos and video from the exhibition launch on 28 January 2019
Free workshop
In association with the Making Music Together exhibition, take part in a free instrumental workshop at Barbican Music Library on Saturday 9 March. Spaces are limited so please book now to secure your place.
Saturday 9 March: Crumhorn: A blast from the past!
But what exactly is a crumhorn? And why do we get such a BUZZ from playing them?! Shamelessly enthusiastic, Bristol-based CrumScrum share the fun and fury of making music with the most eccentric instrument of the Renaissance.... the J-shaped crumhorn. In this demo-workshop there’ll be crumhorn facts, a bit of history context - as well as crumhorn anatomy. We’ll take a close-up look at how ‘reed' and ‘windcap' create that distinctive buzz and soundscape. And if you like, you can have a go! CrumScrum delivers a genuine blast from the past on and insight on what makes making music with crumhorns special.
The Barbican Music Library is a City of London public library offering:
- DVDs and the largest selection of CDs in any London public library
- Scores, music books and magazines
- Vocal scores and orchestral sets
- Listening booths
- Piano hire
- Unsigned London - promotion music by artists without a record deal who are based in the London area by stocking their CDs in the library
- The Library of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society
Please contact the Music Library to check whether a score is available before making a special journey.