Last month Yamaha Music Schools announced they would support ChildLine through 90 of their schools across the UK. Schools in Birmingham and Derby have wasted no time, already raising £1,000 each from their recent Christmas concerts.

Each music school will encourage pupils to raise funds from concerts, challenges and events, with Yamaha also promoting a first lesson free campaign for new students for a suggested donation of £2 to ChildLine. Musician supporters and ambassadors backing the scheme include chart-topping Paolo Nutini, Joe Bonamassa and The Enemy’s Tom Clarke.

They are joined by Jazz-ace Jamie Cullum, Jools Holland, Paul Carrack and drummers Troy Miller, who plays with Amy Winehouse, Skunk Anansie’s Mark Richardson and Andrew Small who plays with Massive Attack and Kylie Minogue.

Head of Yamaha Music Schools Nigel Burrows said: “This is a fantastic campaign combining free music making opportunities with a substantial fundraising effort for ChildLine. We have been inspired by the level of support we have received from our artist friends who will ensure that we get maximum awareness and impact, leading to more lessons and cash for ChildLine. “Our aim is to raise about £60,000 and then ensure that the programme takes place annually.”

for more info http://www.charities-direct.co.uk/charities/nspcc.htm

Tags: Amy Winehouse, Andrew Small, ChildLine, Jamie Cullum, Jools Holland, Kylie Minogue, Mark Richardson, Massive Attack, Music Schools, NSPCC, Paul Carrack, Schools, Skunk Anansie, Troy Miller, Yamaha, Yamaha Music, Yamaha Music Schools