MUSIC IN THE AIR
 Music
in the Air
West London has always offered a lot of opportunities in music. Whether it’s
learning to play an instrument, getting the skills to break into the music industry
or simply being an audience member. This spring shows that it’s “business
as usual”
West London has long been a place with music running through its veins. Local
community choirs and gospel groups, live music venues, a thousand opportunities
for learning music skills or being part of an audience at a live event: these
are just some of the options available.
If the broad programme of what’s on offer at this year’s Hammersmith
& Fulham Festival makes it abundantly clear that music is
alive and well and living in west London, then, remember, that’s just
the tip of the iceberg.
As musician, audience member or aspirant recording engineer, west London offers
many opportunities. Westlondongrid has rounded up just some of these opportunities….
General Places to Hear Live Music
West London’s boroughs are home to some of the most famous venues for
live music, from large-scale venues to intimate bars and community venues. Why
not take a look at some of these…
Mean Fiddler –
This Brent venue was not only the start of many a rock legend, but grew from
its modest location into a veritable pop empire. And, if you’re in the
area, the food is great too!
Carling
Hammersmith Apollo
The famous Apollo, now under the management of the Carling phenomenon, remains
one of London’s premiere live music venues.
The Shepherds
Bush Empire
Another famous venue that has made the transition from musical hall to concert
venue.
Wembley Arena
A monster too big for just music; one of London’s biggest performance
and events spaces.
The Luminaire
At the other end of the spectrum, a more intimate venue in which to hear new
rock and pop acts.
The Grey Horse
And in Kingston, another vibrant venue for live music.
More Specialised Places to Hear Music
West London isn’t only big on big venues; in fact, it has a treasure trove
of specialist and smaller venues too. For example…
Bluejay Jazz Lounge
A venue with an ever-growing reputation for live jazz. Strictly for snappy dressers.
Ginglik
“One of London’s coolest bars” according to The Times, this
Shepherds Bush venue offers a broad range of live music options.
Bush Hall
a gem of a venue with a programme that offers everything from classical recitals
and performances by community groups to stars of world music and underground
cult performers.
The Hammersmith
& Fulham Irish Centre
has long been recognised as one of the best places to both hear and learn Irish
music. And, if you’re interested in learning more about Irish music online,
be sure to check out their excellent “links” section to sites on
Irish music.
Classical Indian music is a special interest? Then remember that the Bharatiya
Vidya Bhavan, UK Centre located near Barons Court is internationally renowned
for the quality of its classical Indian music performances.
Doing Scales
If all this has got you thinking that maybe you would like to learn some music
skills, why not check out these west London courses. Everything from learning
the piano from scratch to deejaying is on offer.
In Brent
In Ealing
In Hammersmith
& Fulham
In
Harrow
If you’re specifically looking for courses that could help you into a
professional career in production and sound engineering, then why not also take
a look at these agencies…
Deep Recording
Studios
London Centre of Contemporary
Music
Seriously Musical
West London is also home to a number of highly regarded orchestras that play
both at home and away
West London Sinfonia
based in Ealing
Fulham Symphony
Orchestra based in Hammersmith
Tuning Up
If on the other hand, you are already a musician whose talents are underused and
all this has got you itching to get back into the swing of things, here are just
some of the clubs and groups that west London has to offer….
Ealing Chamber Music Club
For those who are interested in playing chamber music with others.
Stripes Bar Combining
music with sport? A venue that organises all kinds of gigs in its bar in aid
of the local football team.
AAC presents Opera for All
is committed to bringing affordable opera to the community.
British Black Music & Black
Music Congress are actively involved in all activities relating to black
British music ranging from organising performances and promoting to convening
debates on issues related to black music in Britain.
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Well then why not try the Making
Music London site This is the London site of the National Federation of
Music Societies and has an excellent directory of all kinds of music societies
organised by borough.
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