Casio Music UK and Nathan Ake expand ‘Playing for Change’ initiative to bring music education to disadvantaged schools nationwide

• Casio to donate two digital pianos per month for one year to schools or colleges in need of instruments

• Access to music education provides proven benefits to young people, yet its provision to disadvantaged children is severely lacking

Following a successful pilot programme in Manchester, Casio Music UK and Manchester City footballer and piano player Nathan Aké are officially launching ‘Playing for Change’ - a groundbreaking donation project aimed at improving music education provision in disadvantaged schools and colleges nationwide across the UK.

The pilot programme, launched in February, saw the donation of ten Casio CDP-S110 pianos to six schools across Manchester, with Nathan personally delivering two of the instruments to East Manchester Academy, located in one of the city’s most deprived areas. The overwhelming success of the pilot has spurred Casio and Nathan to expand ‘Playing for Change’ nationwide, with the goal of donating even more digital pianos to schools or colleges in need over the next year. ‘Playing for Change’ will now see the donation of two digital pianos per month for one year to UK-registered education institutions. Any interested schools or colleges can simply apply to the scheme via casio.co.uk/playingforchange.

Nathan learnt piano during the first Covid-19 lockdown and testifies to the benefits it brings, such as improved mental wellbeing, mental health, physical health, more focus time and much more. During his visit to the students of the East Manchester Academy, Nathan spoke about the health benefits of his piano playing and how it helps him as a professional footballer.

“I’m so excited to launch the full ‘Playing for Change’ programme, opening it up to schools across the country”, said Nathan Aké. “Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the gift of music, regardless of their background, and I’m proud to be working with Casio to make that a reality. Learning to play the piano during lockdown was a revelation for me. It gave me a sense of calm and focus during a difficult time, and it continues to bring me joy and stress relief, especially between games.” 

Historically, access to music education has been largely limited to children from affluent families, depriving disadvantaged children of the numerous benefits music lessons provide. These benefits include the development of social skills, physical dexterity, discipline, patience, confidence, and academic performance, as well as the potential to pursue musical careers. 

Neil Evans, Head of Casio EMI, said: “Casio Music passionately believes that music education should be accessible to all children. Through ‘Playing For Change’ we aim to level the playing field, ensuring that every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background, has the opportunity to experience the joy of music making and unlock their full potential. Music can inspire, uplift, and empower, and we are excited to offer the programme wider and witness the positive impact it will have on the lives of countless children across the UK.”

Through ‘Playing for Change,’ schools and colleges across the country can apply for Casio pianos to be donated to their music departments, increasing access to instruments and supporting the provision of quality music education for their students. 

For more information on the programme and how to apply, please visit casio.co.uk/playingforchange