Footballer Nathan Aké is part of the new Playing for Change initiatve which sees ten digital pianos delivered to local schools around Manchester. ‘Learning to play piano has offered me so many positives – from supporting my mental health, to helping me wind down from football,’ says Manchester City centre back Nathan Aké. ‘Some of Manchester’s most deprived children will have the chance to enjoy the same benefits of music education that they may not have had before.’
Aké learnt the piano during the first Covid lockdown in 2020 and has since become an advocate for the benefits of learning an instrument.
The project is being run by music charity Restore the Music and instrument manufacturer Casio Music, donating Casio CDP-S110 digital pianos to East Manchester Academy, Marlborough Road Primary Academy, Dukesgate Academy, Abraham Moss Community School, Our Lady RC High School and Salford City Academy.
Manchester City Council has the third highest rate of child poverty in local authorities in England. These pianos will be delivered to schools in the city which lack sufficient funds for music education.
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