Festivals There are many music festivals in France, most of them being held during the summer. Some of them are huge and almost institutional, like the "Eurockéennes" in Belfort, the "Francofolies" in La Rochelle, the "Solidays" in Paris, the "Vieilles Charrues" in Carhaix (Brittany), the "Printemps" in Bourges or the "Folle Journée" in Nantes.
In addition, many smaller festivals take place between March and October, sometimes in very remote places. Jazz, rock, blues, folk, classical, gipsy or world music... There is one for all sorts!
Take a look at: http://www.francefestivals.com/ (federation of international music festivals: more than 80 music festivals in France: program, prices, booking, practical information). Concerts
There are music stages and bars even in the smallest villages of France.
To find a concert close to your place: www.infoconcert.com
www.concertandco.com
www.fnac.com www.francebillet.com
Learn music You can learn music in one of the 4,000 specialised schools, either private or public. Most of the public schools are locally managed but under general supervision of the State. They provide music lessons for nearly all instruments. You can rent an instrument and have access to repetition rooms. To find a school, consult the directory edited by the City of Music: www.cite-musique.fr/ (go to "learn and play music") Practice music Many associations provide support to young music players. They offer equiped practicing rooms; sometimes they even lend the instruments. Their services include putting in touch musicians who want to form a band. They also provide advice and technical support. There is a catalogue of music associations on: www.irma.asso.fr (you need to register on the website to access the catalogue). You can also contact the nearest Youth Information Centre; they have the list of all structures and measures that can help you practicing music. Perform music If you are good enough and feel ready, you can start performing. You usually start on local stages, on festivals, competitions, concerts. An easy way is to gig in bars, or to perform during small concerts organised by youth or music associations and by local authorities. You can also take part in competitions. You'll find some of them on: www.cmf-musique.org (go to "concours")
