The power of music to change lives: Music Education Islington Conference 2023

In June 2022 the long-awaited plan for music education was published by the DFE under the title ‘The power of music to change lives'.

The plan is a blueprint for the development of music education over the next 10 years. The conference day will be our first Islington-wide opportunity to discuss the key messages, changes and opportunities that the new plan addresses.

Music teachers, educators, delivery partners and organisations working or planning to work in Islington and around Islington are invited to attend the conference day.

The focus of the conference day will be on Chapter 1: ‘High-quality music education for all’ which focuses on music education for children and young people from early years up to end of school age, including SEND schools and alternative provision and Chapter 3: ‘Supporting progression and further musical development’ which covers progression opportunities during school years as well as pathways into the profession.

The day will include a keynote address by Bridget Whyte (CEO at Music Mark) and the sharing of examples, as well as discussions, networking and mingling opportunities. Hands-on opportunities for music-making will include Max Wheeler introducing Charanga's YuStudio, a singing workshop with Richard Frostick and an introduction to Early Years & music.

* contributing Islington delivery partners: Must sign up by 16th December for free entry. Charge of £40 applies after this date. Organisations who work in Islington – with schools or in after school settings – are invited to share their activities in a ‘PechaKucha’-style presentation in the afternoon. Please indicate your interest on the sign-up form for further information. Material for presentations will need to be received by 2nd January.

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Schedule

9:00    Arrival. Teas and coffees provided

9:30    Welcome, today’s plan, housekeeping

9:45   Bridget Whyte, CEO Music Mark: The power of music to change lives: What does the new plan for Music Education mean for schools? News, opportunities, challenges, etc.

10:30  Supporting schools in Islington through MEI: Guildhall School & MiSST

11:00  Coffee break & networking

11:30  From the ideal world to reality: how can music be implemented with all the challenges school’s face?

• 11:30  Primary perspective
• 11:50  Secondary perspective

12:10  Lunch break (bring your own)

13:00  Workshops:              

• Charanga’s YuStudio With Max Wheeler
• Get your voices up and running with Richard Frostick
• What to do in early years? Hand’s on activities with Eleanor Rashid

14:30  Finding the way to the stage: A musical journey in Islington with Nikki Yeoh

15:00  Progression in Islington? What’s Up? Partner organisation & projects introduction

15:45  Coffee break & networking

16:00  Round table discussion: Where is progression leading us? Steps into the professional world. Chaired by Sean Gregory, Guildhall School of Music & Drama

16:45  Final Conclusions, next steps & farewell