ChromaMusic Community Music Makers at the Minster 2026!
We’ve had an incredible summer at Swansea Minster and St James Community Hall, thanks to the support of the COAST grant. Over ten creative sessions, our Summer Music Makers explored Swansea‑themed music, art and storytelling — from Swansea Bay and Mumbles to the Market and the city’s cultural life. Every week was full of music, laughter and connection.
People tried keyboards, handbells, percussion, creative writing, lyric‑making, soundscapes and group singing. Many hadn’t played an instrument since childhood, and some had never played at all. The sessions gave everyone a safe, playful space to have a go, learn something new and rediscover forgotten talents.
Our final performance at the Minster was full of pride and joy. Participants shared poems, keyboard pieces, handbells and hilarious Swansea‑themed lyrics sung to familiar tunes like Surfing USA, La Cucaracha and Cockles and Mussels. The room was buzzing with laughter, applause and a real sense of achievement.
Participants told us how much the sessions meant to them — “Best thing we’ve ever done”, “It brings happiness”, “Great for wellbeing”, “My mental health improved every time I came”, “Friendly, kind, encouraging — like coming home”. Many gained confidence, rediscovered childhood skills, met new friends and enjoyed the company of “so many nice people”. Some didn’t want to go home at the end of sessions.
The programme strengthened our community connections and welcomed people of all abilities. Older adults rediscovered musical skills they thought they’d lost, participants with learning disabilities shone, and everyone supported one another with warmth and enthusiasm. The joy, the belonging and the courage to try new things made this summer truly special.
Perfect photos to pair with this post include group singing moments, keyboard learners concentrating or smiling, collaborative art in progress, handbells or percussion in action, final performance snapshots and candid moments of laughter and togetherness. We can’t wait to do it all again — and even bigger next time.
Describe your image
Describe your image
ChromaMusic Orchestra, Choir, Teaching books, Music clubs and lessons.
Based in Swansea, we run music lessons, music clubs, an orchestra, a choir and sell teaching books that will help you in your music learning journey. With over 25 years of teaching experience, we will provide you with the tools to "let your light shine"!
What we do
About us
My name is Alida and I have been delivering music lessons for over 25 years to students of all ages and abilities. I have had students progress to music colleges and develop a career in their chosen instruments.
As a small and friendly team at ChromaMusic, we love to develop the hidden musical talent in people and believe that music is beneficial to everyone, whether just listening and appreciating music or learning to play an instrument.
WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY
Adult learner, 2020
"After having a few lessons with Alida and Chroma Music I have found an enthusiasm for the piano and music theory that I never knew I had.
She is patient and enthusiastic and encourages every ability within you. I can now play tunes with both hands."
Nicola, 2022
“Joining the orchestra has been a really good decision, I have so much fun every week. I stopped playing the violin when I was 13 because I thought I hated it, but now after playing in the orchestra, I actually really enjoy it!”
Parent, 2020
"My teenager enjoys her lessons with Chromamusic and finds her teacher friendly and easy to talk to. She is growing in confidence in her musical ability."
