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Practice-a-thon Music

'Practice-a-thon Music with Take it away' is an interactive initiative that aims to raise money for children with cancer, by encouraging people to take part in a sponsored music practice. Anyone can take part, no matter what instrument they play, or what their ability. You can join in on your own or with your band or group - the idea is simply to have fun making music, and to raise money for a good cause at the same time.

Show Me How To Play

Show Me How To Play specialise in online music tuition with the use of their unique 'multiplayer' software. The Multiplayer teaches individual instrument parts over four windows on your screen, allowing you to learn your own part and play along with the whole band.

Get in touch

Get in touch and tell us what you're doing to raise money: takeitaway@artscouncil.org.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Practice-a-thon Music?
Practice-a-thon Music (PATM) is an annual fundraising event from the children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

Who are CLIC Sargent?
CLIC Sargent is the UK's leading children's cancer charity. They provide care services and care professionals for children and young people with cancer and their families.

How is the Take it away scheme involved?
The Take it away scheme is all about enabling more people to get involved in learning and playing music. This year, we’ve teamed up with CLIC Sargent to encourage musicians of all ages and abilities to put their musical talents to good use by picking up their instruments to practice, play and perform while raising money for a good cause.

What’s involved?
PATM involves musicians of all ages and abilities in organising a sponsored musical activity in order to raise money for a good cause. To make it even more fun this year, Take it away has commissioned five exclusive online music tutorials from some of your favorite artists, to help you learn something new and give you a focus for your event.

How do I register?
Visit www.clicsargent.org.uk/music and enter your details.

How long does the campaign run for?
PATM runs from September 2009 until July 2010.

Will there be an actual PATM event?
Participants can organise their own fundraising event, whether it’s a gig in a local venue, pub, or community space, or a performance in school. Or you could simply do a sponsored practice. Whatever you decide to do, CLIC Sargent will provide all the materials you need to make it a great event. If you need any help or advice please email music@clicsargent.org.uk

What does the money go towards?
The money raised is collected by CLIC Sargent and goes to support children and young people with cancer. If it’s a school or group taking part then 25% of the money raised can go back into their own musical initiatives in school.

Is Practice-a-thon Music only for schools and children?
No, it’s for individuals and groups of any age and ability.

How much money do I need to raise?
There’s no fixed amount that you need to raise in order to take part, and all contributions are very gratefully received – no matter how small.

How can people sponsor me?
You could do a bucket collection at an event, ask people to pledge an amount by signing a sponsor form for you, or set up a donations page on www.justgiving.com/clicsargent

Where do I send the money I’ve raised?
If you are collecting via a donations page at www.justgiving.com, the money you raise will be collected automatically for you and sent on to CLIC Sargent. If you are using a sponsor form, you’ll need to collect all your donations and post cheques to:Practice-a-thon, CLIC Sargent, Abbey Wood Business Park, filton, Bristol, BS34 7JU Any cheques should be made payable to ‘CLIC Sargent’.

Who are Show Me How To Play?
Show Me How To Play are a specialist company delivering online music tuition with their unique piece of software, the ‘multiplayer’. This teaches individual instruments in four windows on a screen, allowing you to solo/mute particular instruments and play along with a whole band. It is also a great tool for large group teaching. See www.showmehowtoplay.com

How do I download the Multiplayer?
Once you register for Practice-a-thon Music at www.clicsargent.org.uk/music, you will receive an email with instructions for how to download the software and access your account to download your free tracks.

What can I download/access for free as a PATM participant?
People who have registered as PATM participants will be able to download 5 free tutorials. The tracks have been chosen to cover a wide range of musical styles and instruments (as well as voice), and are accessible for beginners through to intermediate level musicians. The tab/score for the music is also available to download to help you learn each piece.

What are the five free tracks?

• Back for Good (Take That)
• Run (Snow Patrol)
• Smoke on the Water (Deep Purple)
• Wonderwall (Oasis)
• Heard it Through the Grapevine (Marvin Gaye)

What instrument parts have they been arranged for?
All songs have been arranged for the following core instruments, but can also be adapted for other types of instrument as required:

• Guitar
• Bass Guitar
• Keyboard/piano
• Drums
• Strings (Violin/Viola/Cello)
• Brass (Saxophone/Trumpet/Trombone)
• Vocal

What level of playing ability is required for each track?