As the school year ends and children take a well-earned break from formal learning for a few weeks, we’re reflecting on the learning journey that some of our musicians have been on over the past year.
Our musicians are at the heart of our mission to increase access to high quality music activities for children with additional needs. By developing a workforce of musicians who can bring their skills and creativity to specialist education settings, Live Music Now plays a significant role in broadening access, understanding and appreciation of the value of music.
Our Inspire programme enables musicians to develop through training, hands-on experience and mentoring. Since September 2024, 16 musicians have begun their journey with Level 1 (a short, mentor-led project in a specialist school). Having previously performed concerts in specialist schools, the Level 1 projects help musicians to build their creative toolkit and consider how to use their instruments and repertoire in a workshop situation.
“A lot of what I needed was confidence. I now feel I have a better understanding of what to expect, the tools to run sessions and the ability to change plans if necessary.”
“I feel like a completely different Live Music Now musician now!”
10 musicians have progressed to Level 2 (an 8-week, musician-led programme with
mentoring support). Being able to develop relationships and activities with
students over longer period has provided invaluable experience.
“I loved seeing the progress of pupils… Their engagement improved and some children really opened up. I loved that we had the chance to work with the same children so many weeks in a row.”
“Having Dav [mentor] visit and give guidance; working long-term and building relationships with students with profound learning disabilities; informal morning chats with the visiting music therapist before our sessions: it’s all given us such a boost in skills and confidence.”
Six musicians have taken part in the equivalent of a Level 3 project, working as musicians-in-residence at Autism Resource Bases over the course of the year. Here the musicians’ learning focuses on long-term progression and relationships with colleagues at the school:
“It has been wonderful to work in Phoenix for the full year and really embed live music into the pupils’ week. I have learnt and developed my teaching strategies, building on our musical learning in fun and engaging ways. It has also been really meaningful to build relationships with school colleagues and be part of the team.”
“I have particularly learnt a lot about structuring a long term project across a year – especially finding a balance between aiming for long goals or musical development, as well as remaining present for musical reactions and enjoyment in the moment.”
Some of our Level 3 alumni have also gone on to become mentors themselves, continuing their own development journey whilst supporting other musicians to begin theirs:
“Seeing the musicians gain in confidence and develop their practice throughout the week has been really rewarding… Mentoring musicians has allowed me to reflect on my own practice as I’ve had to explain why I use specific types of activities and structures for different groups of children. A big thank you for giving me the opportunity to mentor – really loved it.”
Read more about our Inspire programme here.
