THE Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation has announced a grant of £9,000 over three years to the Seaham Music Academy.

The cash will go towards their outstanding provision of music tuition and instrument provision to community groups in the town.

Seaham Music Academy is committed to keeping their membership open to all levels and backgrounds, and this funding will allow them to maintain their low £5 weekly cost of instrument loan and practical and theoretical tuition for all participants - and to waive the fee to those who cannot afford it.

Members of the academy meet weekly with adults of all ages learning and performing alongside children and young people at community events such as the mayor’s annual ball. They welcome musicians of any age, from absolute beginner to virtuoso performer.

Seaham Music Academy president Milton Britton said: “We are honoured that the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation so readily identifies with Seaham Music Academy's aims that it has granted us £9,000.

“Not only does this money help us in our mission to make music lessons affordable to all members of our community, but also, because the grant is spread over a three year period, it gives us great confidence to plan for the future.”

Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation charity executive Sarah Miller said: “The accessibility of high quality training and performance opportunities is key to a future vibrant and diverse artistic industry.

“Seaham Music Academy provides invaluable encouragement and tuition that can be life changing for both its individual members and across the local community.

“The foundation is thrilled to continue its support of this committed organisation.”