Unable to play music on Ipad unless I subscribe

I have never subscribed to any streaming services, previously I had my music on my ipad and originally on my ipods and I could access any tracks I had download to my PC via saving it in an itunes library. I did this via CDs I own plus some digital downloads of original tracks from a friend who was wonderful musician whose now died. When I tried to play music today I was suddenly met by a you have to subscribe to applemusic to listen to music info on the screen. I found it outrageous that I suddenly need to subsribe when I do not stream music any suggestion? It has only happened in the last few weeks as before that I could still play music. I am very upset about the music from my friend who died which was never availble commercially. I am not at home so unable to see if my itunes even works now. Help please.