A new TV service dedicated to encouraging, inspiring and educating all people with an interest in musical activity is planning to launch later this month.

The Musicians Channel (M-Channel for short) will broadcast on a free-to-air basis.

M-Channel's first phase of programme content includes tuition and advice on guitar, bass, vocals, drums and percussion, keyboards and harmonica. Filming for these is nearly complete at the channel's Maidstone Studios in Kent.

A range of top class musicians along with many well known artists eager to 'give something back' to the audience that helped them to where they are today will appear on the channel.

Hundreds of 'Tips and Tricks' snippets will compliment the programmes to give the viewer a wider understanding of becoming a musician.

The second phase will include orchestral and classical music followed by a third phase featuring World music.

Ideas for M-Channel Urban, giving tuition tips on DJ techniques, MC techniques and street dance workshops is also planned.

Live band showcases aimed specifically at unsigned bands and musicians will be filmed up and down the UK from the outset in all musical genres.

Jonathan MacDonald, M-Channel CEO and Co-Founder, said: "Many people have the musical potential within themselves to achieve their ambitions, but don't have the information, resources, support or guidance to get started or progress. Furthermore, many don't have the time or financial capability to grasp opportunities. By standing back and recognising the need to bridge the gap and embrace the needs of the wider audience, the Musicians Channel was born."

Tests for the channel can be found under label '52010' at frequency 11.224H, symbol rate 27500, forward error correction 2/3.

Currently only EPG 'Now and Next' data is available with full video testing expected to begin soon.