ABSTRACT
The idea of lifelong learning can find particular expression and challenge in the world of the arts. This chapter concerns the informal learning that goes on during the learner's school age, but either outside the formal context of the school, or within the school walls but in the interstices of the curriculum, and without any, or much, teacher supervision. It then focuses on the instrumental tuition with specialist teachers outside the school. The chapter looks at participation in what are often referred to as non-formal groups and networks such as community orchestras, choirs and so forth. It also considers experiences in higher education, mainly but not entirely involving music courses of various kinds, and a range of other ongoing learning experiences post-schooling. In childhood and adolescence, ensembles that some of our visually impaired story-givers organized in the absence of adult supervision were prominent in their minds.
