A performing arts group in Dudley borough has been praised for helping children and young people with learning music during lockdown.

'Dudley Performing Arts' is supporting more than 500 youngsters aged six to 18 to continue with their weekly music sessions through a virtual portal as #DudleyStaysHome due to the coronavirus crisis.

Schools across the borough are working with DPA to keep children and young people engaged with music throughout the crisis. Options include one to one lessons for existing students and a range of purpose made videos that anyone can access.

At present, the online lessons are only for existing pupils, but anyone can view and use free videos on the group’s YouTube channel ‘Dudley Performing Arts’, which has received more than 9,000 views this month.

Inspired people from across the borough are being invited to share their own creations using #DudleyStaysHome on social media. Anyone can join in by sharing a clip of a student practicing or playing/singing along with one of the YouTube videos. Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children and young people, said:

"We are asking everyone in Dudley borough, young and old, to share their ideas for how to keep busy at home during the coronavirus crisis, using #DudleyStaysHome on social media.

"By offering music lessons remotely to existing pupils and by uploading their wonderful videos for everyone to enjoy on YouTube, the group continues to inspire families across the borough to enjoy music."

People can find out more about Dudley Performing Arts on Twitter, Facebook or at dudley.gov.uk/dpa.