the skiffle project

The Skiffle Project

Launceston Community Music : Community Music Resources

“All you need is three chords and the truth.” Harlan Howard (borrowed by many, beloved by all)

The Skiffle Project is an initiative by Elmsgrove Community Arts, inspired by the irrepressible spirit of the Skiffle movement—a do-it-yourself musical revolution that fused American folk, blues, and early jazz with the raw, heartfelt energy of British post-war youth. Skiffle championed accessibility over perfection; it welcomed those who knew three chords—or none at all—and celebrated the joyful noise of washboards, tea-chest basses, and whatever came to hand. Remarkably, many of Britain’s most revered musicians, including John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Jimmy Page, Van Morrison, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Roger Daltrey, and Eric Clapton, began their musical journeys in skiffle bands.

At its heart, The Skiffle Project channels this inclusive, irreverent ethos to support mental well-being, respiratory health, confidence-building, and community connection. It offers a welcoming space where all are encouraged to participate—no formal training or expensive equipment required. Whether you’re strumming, singing, tapping out a rhythm, or simply sharing a cuppa, you’re part of the band.

The initial stage of the project is already underway, with Launceston Community Music sessions running weekly in Launceston Town Centre. These gatherings are open to all, regardless of age or experience, and are especially aimed at those who may feel uncertain about where to begin.

• Perhaps you’ve always wanted to make music but have no idea where to start.
• Perhaps you’ve heard that singing and music can support mental and respiratory health, and are curious to explore it for yourself.
• Maybe you’ve long harboured a wish to sing but never felt confident enough to try.
• You might have been playing or singing in private, unsure about joining in with others.
• Or perhaps you played an instrument years ago, and now feel ready to rekindle that old flame.

Whatever your story, these sessions offer a warm and welcoming space to explore music at your own pace, amongst kindred spirits.

Participants are invited to sing, strum, hum, or bang along using a wide range of accessible instruments—many provided on the day. These include guitars, ukuleles, simple percussion, harmonicas, washboards, and maybe your voice! The repertoire draws from a rich blend of roots music: country, blues, folk, early jazz, gospel, jug band tunes, and of course, classic skiffle standards. No sheet music is required, and all songs are taught by ear; for those who enjoy a little structure, lead sheets are provided both in hard copy and as downloadable PDFs. In addition, recordings of our own unique versions of each song are made available via YouTube, and can be found alongside the lead sheet PDFs on our dedicated resources webpage—making it easier than ever to practise and join in from home, the garden, or even the allotment shed, should inspiration strike.