UPDATE: National Learn To Play Day 2013 gets bigger and better

Nick Mason is backing Learn to Play Day
Nick Mason is backing Learn to Play Day

Even more musical treats have been revealed for this year's National Learn To Play Day.

Following on from last year's success, the event will take place on Saturday 16 March, with music stores all over the UK marking the day by offering free taster music lessons, across a huge range of instruments from guitars, pianos and drums to ukuleles, saxophones and bassoons.

UPDATE: UK session ace Ralph Salmins has just been announced for the day. The Robbie Williams/Van Morrison man will appear at Bell Percussion in London. Prog superstar Bill Bruford is also doing his bit, heading to Guilford's Electric Theatre.

It had previously been revealed that Nick Mason would be appearing at Foote's Music in London on 16 March as part of Learn To Play Day. He will be joined there by drum teacher to the stars Mike Dolbear.

Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason is one of several star backers for the day. He said: "Learning to play an instrument is something rather more than a passport to a TV talent show. And it doesn't have to be a Fender Strat or a Steinway Grand to join... For the price of a ukulele or tin whistle you can both make and impress friends - and enjoy yourself more than you can possibly imagine. I know this - I've been doing it for 45 years now, and it still doesn't feel like a job!"

Comedian, drummer and good friend of Rhythm Al Murray is also doing his bit and will be giving drumming lessons at Chappell's of Bond Street in London on the day.

Head here for more details.

Rich Chamberlain

Rich is a teacher, one time Rhythm staff writer and experienced freelance journalist who has interviewed countless revered musicians, engineers, producers and stars for the our world-leading music making portfolio, including such titles as Rhythm, Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, and MusicRadar. His victims include such luminaries as Ice T, Mark Guilani and Jamie Oliver (the drumming one).