A POPULAR teacher has struck the first chord in fulfilling her ambition to open a music school in her home town, writes David Carnduff.

Diane Mitchell saw her plans fulfilled last Saturday when youngsters and their parents flocked to the first fun session of the school at Barrhead Evangelical Church.

And in no time at all, Diane hit the right note with the tots who were singing along with mums and dads and keeping the beat by banging on a mini drum.

The Paisley woman, who was born and bred in Barrhead, still admits to having a strong affinity for the town and the new school is yet another string to her bow.

Her music school in Paisley has been up and running for two years and she is keen to emulate its success by using the Kodaly musicianship method, developed in Hungary during the mid-twentieth century by Zoltán Kodály.

It is based on the theory that making music helps youngsters in all areas of their life and education.

Diane said: “I have always had a passion for music and teaching it to children. Music has a positive effect on other areas of their life – it gives them confidence, social skills and a sense of achievement.”

Diane gets the tots involved by teaching them about rhythm and pitch by using soft toys and the older children go on to build on their skills in more specific ways by learning to read music.

As the school progresses, Diane plans to broaden the range of instruments by offering classes in violin, flute and drums and she plans to expand by moving into the Voluntary Action Centre in September.

She is helped by daughter Rebekah who is in her final year at the Conservatoire of Scotland where she is studying accordion and piano.

Diane, who teaches music at Cardonald Primary School, also revealed that she wants to launch a gospel choir in Barrhead later in the year..

She is the founder of the highly successful Renfrewshire Community Gospel Choir in Paisley which has between 30 and 40 members and sings at venues throughout the West of Scotland.

Diane said: “The choir is for all ages and it gives us a lot of fun and enjoyment to take part. I am sure one will do very well in Barrhead.”

For more information email dianemitchellmusicschool.com.