Teaching Notes - Music Teachers Association's Podcast: Recent Episodes
Music Teachers Association
Teaching Notes, the Music Teachers' Association's podcast, covers all aspects of Music Education, both in the UK and beyond. Interviews with Music Teachers sit alongside chats with industry professionals and education experts. Plenty of CPD, discussion, and reports from conferences and Expos. A must-listen for every Music Teacher! Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
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In Episode 125, Patrick meets Jazz pianist, educator, author and Instagram sensation Quentin Walston, to discuss accessible ways into Jazz for non-specialist teachers, from his new book, ‘How to Teach Jazz and Improvisation’ (0:52).
Head of Growth and Operations at the MTA, Caroline Robinson introduces many of the speakers for the 2026 MTA conference, as tickets go on sale (24:15).
And Dr Delphine Mordey from Cambridge Univeristy highlights two forthcoming open days designed to give our current Year 12s a taster of what studying Music at Cambridge is like (30:51).
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
https://thisisjazz.com/
https://www.instagram.com/quentinwalston
https://www.musicteachers.org/events/
https://tinyurl.com/CamUniMasterClass
https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/events/music-subject-masterclass
https://www.girton.cam.ac.uk/undergraduates/widening-participation-outreach/upcoming-outreach-events
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
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In Episode 124, Patrick chats to Ed Watkins about his recent article, shining a light on disproportionately low grades for otherwise high-achieving music students at A Level (1:02).
Laura Bendy and Julian Whittaker introduce the new Members’ Area of the MTA website, and the first webinar of the academic year (13:38);
And Grammy- and Brit-nominated singer-songwriter RuthAnne discusses the song-writing process, including a focus on the psychology of song-writing, and tips to overcome writer’s block, as featured in her book “It’s Not Just A Song” (19:37).
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
https://elementalmusic.app/blog/music-a-level-grading
https://www.musicteachers.org/events/online-events/
https://www.fabermusic.com/shop/its-not-just-a-song-p472066
https://www.instagram.com/thisisruthanne/?hl=en
https://www.redlightmanagement.com/artists/ruth-anne/
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
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In Episode 123, Patrick chats to Dr Kirsty Devaney and Dr Ed McKeon about the project Time Loops, run by the Science Museum Group, using old music technology in new and innovative ways, with Key Stage 3 resources to bring it into the classroom (0:57).
Alys Wilding introduces a new ECT Secondary Music Network, being set up by Birmingham City University, to support ECTs nationwide (17:13).
And Elliot Broadbent-Jones and David Kirtlan give an overview of the range of resources and support provided by Albion Computers, including an iPad Student Band (27:33).
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
TIME LOOPS
https://blog.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/time-loops/
https://www.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/projects/time-loops
Time Loops KS3-4 Resources: https://sciencemuseumgroup.iro.bl.uk/uv/uv.html#?manifest=https://sciencemuseumgroup.iro.bl.uk/concern/generic_works/4567c9bc-e049-46ca-a7e4-228cce8b2c47/manifest&config=https://sciencemuseumgroup.iro.bl.uk/uv/uv-config.json
ECT SECONDARY MUSIC NETWORK
ECTMusic@bcu.ac.uk
ALBION COMPUTERS
https://www.albion.co.uk
e.broadbent-jones@albion.co.uk
http://elsiumeducation.com/david-kirtlan/
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
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In Episode 122, Patrick meets Dr Elizabeth Stafford and Dan Francis, to talk about their new book, 'The Secondary Music Leader's Handbook' (0:48).
Classic FM presenter Ritula Shah introduces the Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year Awards (deadline for entries is 20th July 2025!) (15:54).
And Jazz musician, author and educator Buster Birch chats about methods of teaching improvisation, why he doesn't use lead sheets, and his incredible online resource, 'Learn 2 Play Jazz' (24:40).
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
https://collins.co.uk/products/9780008759834
classicfm.com/music-teacher-of-the-year-2025
https://www.ritulashah.com/
https://www.learn2playjazz.com/
https://www.busterbirch.co.uk/
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
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In Episode 121, Patrick meets Leanna O’Brien, from the Soaring Scarves Academy in California, who teaches music using movement and scarves, to help students really internalise great works by Tchaikovsky and Grieg, amongst others (0:43)
We also meet the new MTA President, James Manwaring, to find out about him as a musician and teacher, and to see what he hopes to achieve in his tenure as MTA President (19:56).
And outgoing MTA President Catherine Barker has a message for all music teachers (35:40).
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://soaringscarvesacademy.com
https://manwaringmusic.blog/about-me/
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
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2025 MTA CONFERENCE SPECIAL
In Episode 120, Patrick visits the 2025 MTA Conference, held at Trinity Academy, Bristol.
He meets ABRSM Chief Examiner and Jazz trumpeter Mark Armstrong, to find out more about Mark’s CPD session, ‘Jazz in the Classroom’ (04:31), and chats to Founder and President of MusicFirst, Dr Jim Frankel, about his Key Note speech, ‘The Impact of AI on Music Making and Learning’ (22:12).
Plus, Patrick chats to various exhibitors at the Trade Fair, including representatives from Aspire Organs, Sing Up!, Coach House Pianos, Trinity College London, and Viscount Organs.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
Mark Armstrong: https://www.rcm.ac.uk/research/people/details/?id=02730
Dr Jim Frankel: https://www.musictechhelper.com/about-me
www.aspireorgans.co.uk
www.singup.org
www.coachhousepianos.co.uk
www.trinitycollege.com
https://viscountorgans.net
https://www.musicteachers.org/events/mta-conference-2025/
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
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2025 MTA CONFERENCE PREVIEW
In Episode 119, Patrick chats to Liz Dunbar and Asha Bishop about the crucial balancing of creativity and academic rigour at Key Stage 3 (1:08).
And composer, arranger, singer, conductor and jazz musician Alexander L’Estrange discusses ways to get your choir to swing (15:46)!
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://musicdepartmentresources.com
https://www.alexanderlestrange.com
https://www.musicteachers.org/events/mta-conference-2025/
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
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In Episode 118, Patrick chats to composer Rilla Paterson about her compositions for young voices, designed to help children with sight-reading; plus the importance of notation.
Julian Whittaker introduces the MTA’s free ‘Mock Interview’ service, for members applying for a new job, to have a practice interview with an experienced Head of Music.
Plus, Jack Laidlaw, James Tuck, and Dustin Ragland explain the range of products and services provided by Ableton, including Live, Push, and Move.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
http://rillapaterson.com
https://childofthefuture.com
https://www.musicteachers.org
https://www.ableton.com
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
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In Episode 117, Patrick chats to Dr Jonathan Savage about significant changes in the world of Music Education, the relationship of Music Hubs with schools, and new BBC Bitesize resources.
And the MTA’s Head of Growth and Operations, Caroline Robinson introduces the 2025 MTA conference, including the CPD sessions, the mentoring and training, the keynote speakers, and details of tickets.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://www.ucanplay.org.uk/
https://tinyurl.com/JonathanSavage
https://www.musicteachers.org/events/mta-conference-2025/
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
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In Episode 116, Patrick is joined by Maria Thomas from The Music Workshop Company, to find out about their range of schools workshops, including historical music, and a very interesting workshop using cutlery!
Editor of Gramophone Magazine, Martin Cullingford, tells Patrick all about the Survey ‘Growing Musicians, Shaping Lives’, aiming to find out about music teachers’ day-to-day lives in the profession.
And Mark Aitchison tells Patrick all about the European Day of Music in Schools, which enables teachers to watch videos of music-making from schools all over Europe.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://www.music-workshop.co.uk
https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8151878/Growing-Musicians-2025-survey
https://eas-music.org/eudamus/
© Music Teachers' Association
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~ 2025 MUSC & DRAMA EXPO SPECIAL ~
In Episode 115, Patrick visits the 2025 Music & Drama Expo, to attend CDP sessions, and chat to exhibitors about new Music Education products.
Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu introduces SymphoMe, which uses AI to help give students detailed feedback on their performances in between lessons. (1:08)
Award-winning Jazz pianist, composer and educator Nikki Yeoh shares some of her steps to teaching improvisation, and to help students (and teachers!) overcome the fear! (5:28)
Dr June Fileti, MD of the International School of Musicians, chats about their new approach to performance assessment, allowing students to choose their own repertoire. (16:40)
Rachel Hawker, Director of Education at Rocksteady Music School, chats about her CPD session, ‘The Power of Games to Supercharge Children’s Musicality’. (25:21)
And, Heart FM presenter Simon Beale chats about the Music & Drama Education Awards, which he hosted, and about his love for 80s music. (36:17)
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://symphome.com
https://www.gsmd.ac.uk/staff/nikki-yeoh
https://www.internationalschoolofmusicians.org
https://www.rocksteadymusicschool.com
https://www.heart.co.uk/radio/shows-presenters/simon-beale/
http://musicanddramaeducationexpo.co.uk
https://musicdramaedawards.com/MDEA2025/en/page/home-page
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
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In Episode 114, Patrick chats to Music Teacher Dylan McCaig about being a recent ECT, and about Early Music both within the curriculum, and as part of co-curricular activities.
MTA Operations Manager Laura Bendy shares details of her new role at the MTA, as well as an important announcement.
And looking towards the Music and Drama Education Expo, Patrick meets Thomas Gregory, to find out why we all need more chaos in our classrooms!
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
www.instagram.com/dylanmccaigmusic
https://www.musicteachers.org/events/mta-conference-2025/
http://thomasgregory.co.uk
http://musicanddramaeducationexpo.co.uk
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
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In Episode 113, Patrick catches up with ‘That Music Improv Teacher’, Mike Wright, to find out about Mike’s on-going work to promote improvisation as a standard part of music teaching (01:01).
Professor Derek Aviss OBE discusses the psychology of performance, including overriding the brain’s natural reaction to the fear and stress of performance, with details of a forthcoming webinar from the Royal Society of Musicians (20:28).
And MTA President Catherine Barker explains the huge amount of work that the MTA does for music educators everywhere, including much behind the scenes (31:33).
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://mwrightmusic-education.com
https://www.rsmgb.org/whats-on/healthy-teachers
http://www.musicteachers.org
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects #thatmusicimprovteacher
© Music Teachers' Association
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In Episode 112, Patrick meets singer, teacher, and vocal health expert, Dr Jenevora Williams, to discuss ways to recognise, manage, and prevent any issues with students’ – or teachers’ – vocal health (0:34).
Plus, conductor Nic Chalmers introduces ways of engaging young people with opera, including some of his work with the Royal Opera House, and chats about his marathon Christmas Carolling at the Royal Albert Hall with the National Youth Choir (12:11).
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://www.nicholaschalmers.com
https://jenevorawilliams.com
https://linktr.ee/jenevorawilliams
https://www.musicanddramaeducationexpo.co.uk/speakers/jenevora-williams
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
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In Episode 111, Patrick chats to Alex Aitken about GCSE and A Level composition and set works, including ways to teach them, their place within a course, and the barriers faced by teachers and students (00:53).
Editor of Music Teacher magazine, Phil Croydon introduces the forthcoming Music & Drama Education Expo and Awards, to be held in January 2025 (17:19).
And singer, song-writer and New England fiddler Lissa Schneckenburger discusses the importance of aural awareness, ways to teach it, and her online course ‘Learning By Ear’ (29:06).
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://alexaitken.co.uk
https://masteringalevelmusic.co.uk
https://www.musicanddramaeducationexpo.co.uk
https://musicdramaedawards.com
https://lissafiddle.com
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
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In Episode 110, Patrick chats to Aileen Douthwaite from the Music Publishers’ Association, about the Every Copy Counts campaign, highlighting the legality of photocopying music in copyright, and logging it to help publishers, authors and composers (00:45).
Alex Parsons and Liz Dunbar offer some Composition Hacks for students struggling to get going with a new piece, in extracts from their recent MTA webinar (11:35).
And choral conductor and singer Edward Caswell chats to Patrick about rounds and canons, and SingCircle, a new book containing 111 of these perfect miniatures, which he has co-authored. He explains the book’s origins, how to teach rounds and canons effectively, and just why they are perfect for students of all ages and experience (19:59).
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://everycopycounts.co.uk
https://mpaonline.org.uk
https://www.musicteachers.org/online-events/
oxford.ly/3AAnnvt
#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
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In Episode 109, Patrick chats to BBC Radio 3 presenter Linton Stephens about the BBC’s new Ten Pieces, each of which has been written by a female composer (0:55).
Alex Parsons introduces a new series of webinars from the MTA, providing crucial CPD for teachers (09:06).
And Si Tew from Digit Learning explains the range of products they offer, including their joystick-driven instrument, CMPSR, their notation system Arrow Notes, plus Global Sound Culture (13:38).
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ten-pieces
https://www.musicteachers.org/online-events/
https://digitlearning.co.uk
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
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In Episode 108, Patrick chats to Michelle Robinson from Loughborough University about the special relationship between student and teacher in instrumental and vocal lessons, also looking at ways to develop it (0:54).
And Gary Spruce discusses the complexities of instrumental music teaching, as featured in his new book 'Instrumental Music Teaching: Perspectives and Challenges', the uniqueness of whole class instrumental tuition, and teacher retention (11:20).
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
Survey: https://tinyurl.com/MTMRQSurvey
Instrumental Music Teaching: Perspectives and Challenges: https://tinyurl.com/GarySpruce
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In episode 107, Patrick meets the Winner of Visiting Music Teacher 2024 (Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year Awards 2024) Helen Minshall, to chat about her work, teaching brass instruments across Lancashire (1:08).
Plus, Dr Anthony Anderson discusses curriculum design, looking at differences in how curricula are perceived by music teachers and SLTs (16:46).
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://www.bbe.org.uk/brass-foundations
https://www.facebook.com/Minshallmusicltd
https://musicteacherconference.com/curriculummusic2024/en/page/home
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/health-education-and-life-sciences/staff/education-and-teacher-training/anthony-anderson
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 106, Patrick chats to recorder player Ali Walker about Sing Up's new complete scheme of learning for KS1 and KS2 recorder, 'Play Recorder' (0:52).
And Dr George Waddell, from the Royal College of Music, discusses assessment in music, focusing on performance science, preparation for a performance assessment, and external factors that can affect assessors' opinions (18:20).
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://www.singup.org/music/play-recorder
https://performancescience.ac.uk/team/waddell/
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 105, Patrick finds out all about the new AI-driven assessment app, Assessify, created by Rob Reich-Storer from Rhythmstix (0:54).
Rachel Topham from Faber Music chats about the new Faber Music Teachers’ Community, designed to help bring instrumental/vocal teachers and the publisher closer together (12:20).
And Maddy Barnes and Peter Tamblyn talk about the great education work done by English Touring Opera (25:27).
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
Assessify: http://rhythmstix.co.uk/assessify/
Faber: https://www.facebook.com/share/VrWH5myoZX3PRR6D/
English Touring Opera: https://englishtouringopera.org.uk/our-work/learning-participation
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 104, Patrick chats to Music Education Consultant (and former National Lead for Music for Ofsted), Mark Phillips, about the start of Year 7, including the value (or lack of value) of baseline tests, questionnaires, and tests of aural perception, such as the Bentley Test.
Plus, MTA President Catherine Barker reflects on the 2023–24 academic year, and looks to the future for Music Education.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
Mark Phillips: https://x.com/englishcadence
Music Mark article: https://tinyurl.com/MarkPhillipsArticle
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 103, Patrick chats to Jane Mitchell about the Aurora Orchestra’s latest resource, Discover Beethoven, which uses the Sixth Symphony as a way into orchestral music for young musicians.
Hattie Fisk, co-chair of the Music and Drama Education Awards judging panel, gives an overview of the 2025 Awards, and encourages everyone to get voting.
And Dr Bushra El-Turk and Dr Joel Bell introduce The Alternative Conservatoire, a new course for young musicians, post-18.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://auroraclassroom.co.uk
https://musicdramaedawards.com
https://www.fabermusic.com/freebooksforteachers
https://thealternativeconservatoire.org
#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 102, Patrick chats to Professor Martin Fautley about music education over the last 40+ years.
What was it like in the late 1970s?
What have been the most significant changes?
Which trends might make a comeback?
What are the challenges linking Key Stages?
And what are the biggest challenges in music education in 2024?
Martin concludes with a series of powerful messages to all those involved in music education: head teachers, heads of department, teachers, parents, students, and more.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://drfautley.wordpress.com
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 101, Patrick finds out all about Liz Dunbar’s incredible new online subscription resource, Music Department Resources, packed with complete schemes of work, cover lessons, and much, much more (01:13).
Nate Holder introduces the 2024 Why Music Festival, to be held on 25th and 27th June 2024 (19:43).
And jazz pianist, teacher and university lecturer Sam Leak discusses perfect pitch, absolute pitch and melody triggers: whether these can be taught or are just natural gifts, and different approaches to teaching aural awareness to students (23:01).
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
http://musicdepartmentresources.com
https://www.nateholdermusic.com
Why Music Festival: https://t.co/s4Yn0hO0NJ
https://www.samleak.com
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
MTA 2024 CONFERENCE SPECIALIn Episode 100, Patrick reports from the 2024 MTA Conference, held in Queen Anne’s School, Caversham.
Composer Errollyn Wallen OBE discusses her approach to composition, in a Fireside chat with Patrick, recorded live at the conference (33:53), and former MTA President Simon Toyne reflects on what has changed in Music Education since his first interview in Episode 1, in 2020 (11:38).
Plus, from the Trade Fair, Patrick meets Music Leaders UK (01:06), The London College of Music Examinations (21:37), and The Ear Academy (25:35), and speaks to teachers Sully Ososanya (06:50) and Joanna King (31:23) about their first MTA conference.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://www.musicleadersuk.com
https://lcme.uwl.ac.uk
https://www.ear-academy.com
https://www.errollynwallen.com
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 99, Patrick chats to Mark Llewelyn Evans, from the ABC of Opera, about their work bringing Opera into Primary education, with books and workshops (0:56);
Pauline Black gives a preview of her and Simon Purcell’s MTA Conference session, The Jazz Mindset, looking bringing Groove into the classroom (14:21);
And Nate Holder discusses his new book, If I Were a Racist, expanding on his 2020 poem of the same name, and challenging what music we teach, why we teach it, and how we teach it (21:03).
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
http://academyofbarmycomposers.com/
https://twitter.com/akapaulineblack
http://nateholdermusic.com/
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 98, Patrick chats to the Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, Caroline Nokes MP, about their recent report, Misogyny in Music, looking at ways that misogyny can appear amongst school-age musicians, and its wider implications.
Oli Rose, Director of Global Development for the Lang Lang Foundation, introduces their Keys of Inspiration scheme, providing whole suites of free pianos and resources to disadvantaged schools.
And composer Dr James Olsen, from the Society for Music Analysis, discusses music analysis, notation, what 'musical literacy' means, and introduces the Society's forthcoming summit in July.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
- Misogyny in Music Report: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5804/cmselect/cmwomeq/129/report.html
- Lang Lang Foundation: https://www.langlangfoundation.org/programs/keys-of-inspiration/
- Society for Music Analysis: https://www.sma.ac.uk
- MTA Conference: https://www.musicteachers.org/conference/
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 97, Patrick meets Mike Simpson from Inspire Works, to talk about their Drumbeatable programme, using group drumming to help young people overcome mental health challenges, and how the power of group music has been scientifically proven to help.
Trumpeter Kay Charlton chats about improvisation in lessons, whole class instrumental tuition, and her excellent new resource, Dinosaur Stomp, published by Warwick Music.
And trombonist and teacher Nathaniel Dye chats about his recent award, about remaining in the classroom despite significant health challenges, running the London Marathon whilst playing the trombone, how to keep students in ensembles, and the crucial transition from Year 6 to Year 7.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://www.inspire-works.co.uk/school-health
http://kaycharlton.co.uk
https://bowelcancerbucketlist.com
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 96, Patrick chats to composer David A Stowell about recent his Music & Drama Expo talk, ‘Music Composition: Tips and Tricks for those Extra Marks’, discussing the process of composition in schools.
Abi Marrison (Music Mark) and Colin Stuart (ISM) talk about Can Do Music, a joint campaign with the ISM, Music Mark and the MTA, with its huge numbers of resources.
And David Mason from Viscount Organs introduces the business, and chats about the recent development of technology in organs, and the ranges available for schools.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://www.dastowellmusic.com/
https://candomusic.org
https://viscountorgans.net/
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
*2024 MUSIC & DRAMA EXPO SPECIAL*
Patrick reports from the 2024 Music & Drama Expo, chatting to exhibitors Take It Away, and Darbar Academy. Plus, interviews with two of the Expo's presenters:
- Deirdre Waller-Box from Brass Bands England, talking about her seminar 'Performance ready in one session'
- Tim Bennett-Hart, CEO of RSL Awards, discussing 'AI: the challenges and opportunities in assessment'
And Patrick at the Music & Drama Awards, Patrick finds out about the work of Lifetime Achievement Award winner Sally Daunt; and goes backstage to meet the Awards' presenter, actor and author Cerrie Burnell.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
Expo: https://www.musicanddramaeducationexpo.co.uk
Take It Away: https://takeitaway.org.uk
Brass Bands England: https://www.bbe.org.uk
Darbar Academy: https://www.darbar.org/academy
RSL: https://www.rslawards.com
Awards Winners: http://tinyurl.com/MDEd2024
Sally Daunt: https://twitter.com/sallydaunt
Cerrie Burnell: https://cerrieburnell.co.uk
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 94, Patrick meets Liz Stafford, to chat about some of the big issues in Music Education today, and the forthcoming Music Education Solutions Conference.
Gill Davies announces the MTA’s own Annual Conference to be held in May, including details of the trade fair, CPD, Key Note speakers, and how to get tickets.
And Lesley Tyler previews her Music and Drama Education Expo seminar “A thematic enquiry curriculum for KS3”, discussing innovative ways to link all Key Stage 3 subjects in schools with a common theme.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://musiceducationsolutions.co.uk
https://www.musicteachers.org/conference
https://www.musicanddramaeducationexpo.co.uk
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 93, Patrick meets Sarah McWatt from Amp (formerly NYMAZ), and Vic Holmes from Note Weavers, to discuss the work they do for primary music in the North of England, and find out about their forthcoming Early Years Music Conference, focussing on inclusivity.
And Vanessa Wilson-Best explores “exclusivity at GCSE”, focussing on technology as the great leveller.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
tinyurl.com/AmpNoteWeavers
https://www.nymaz.org.uk
https://www.noteweavers.org
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nymaz-and-note-weavers-early-years-conference-tickets-753894056417?aff=oddtdtcreator
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 92, Patrick chats to Francesca Christmas and Toby Davies from Trinity College London about their Awards and Certificates in Musical Development, Digital Theory Exams, AI, and more;
David Gray talks about his primary curriculum, his online resources, training for primary music specialists, and makes the case for ukuleles;
And Dr Robin Harrison, director of Maestro Online, introduces their masterclasses, practicing resources, and the new Pop Piano grades.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://www.trinitycollege.com
https://www.youtube.com/musicwithmrgray
https://www.the-maestro-online.com
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In the first episode of 2024, Patrick chats to Janet Fischer about the excellent work done by Live Music Now, bringing music to those without previous access.
Dr Anna Mariguddi discusses her recent research into informal music learning in primary schools.
And Keith Sykes from Lewisham Music chats about their award-winning project connecting music and young people’s mental health, Front Line Young Minds.
Presented and produced any Patrick Johns.
http://www.livemusicnow.org.uk
https://research.edgehill.ac.uk/en/publications/exploring-the-potential-of-informal-music-learning-in-a-perceived
https://lewishammusic.org/impact/front-line-young-minds/
https://vimeo.com/user185753531
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In the last episode of 2023, Patrick meets Zac Moxon, Winner of the 2023 Outstanding New Teacher of the Year at the Pearson National Teaching Awards. They chat about his department at Chiswick School, the curriculum, and the secret to putting on over 50 concerts per year!
Plus, organist, composer and Director of Music at Selwyn College, Cambridge, Sarah MacDonald, discusses Christmas carols: composing, arranging, and writing descants, plus barriers faced by female composers, choral directors and organists.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://www.teachingawards.com/award-winner/zac-moxon/
https://encorepublications.com/Preview/MacDonaldCarolsofourtime.pdf
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 89, Patrick chats to Dr Kirsty Devaney about her research into barriers faced by female composers, including young people’s perception of what it means to be a composer.
And Mr Primary Music Education himself Jimmy Rotheram discusses all things primary, with guidance for non-specialist teachers, including dos and don’ts.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://kirstydevaney.com
https://tinyurl.com/AddressingGenderInequality
www.youngcomposersproject.com
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 88, Patrick meets Jason Poulston, the music teacher behind the fantastic resource Music Homework, which does exactly what it says on the tin!
Sophia Allen from Britten-Pears Arts introduces their newly-commissioned songs as part of Friday Afternoons, and the Big Sing!
And singer, author, educator and researcher Randye Jones discusses Spirituals: their origins, the use of difficult terminology, and dialect, and Spirituals' place in the Music Classroom.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
www.musichomework.co.uk
https://brittenpearsarts.org/friday-afternoons/themes/new-releases-2023
https://brittenpearsarts.org/take-part/schools/big-sing
https://spirituals-database.com
http://randyejones.com
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 87, Patrick chats to conductor Paul McCreesh about the next Gabrieli Roar project, and about singing and repertoire for young people.
James Manwaring previews the next Music Teacher Monday webinar, looking at teaching harmony at Key Stage 5.
And composer Paul Clark introduces the Clod Ensemble's massive composition resource, Ear Opener, designed to support teachers and students alike. He and Patrick discuss how to start a composition, and the power of arranging in the compositional process.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
https://www.gabrieli.com/roar/about-gabrieli-roar/
https://manwaringmusic.blog
https://earopener.co.uk
https://www.clodensemble.com
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 86, Patrick finds out what's in the new edition of the MTA's Ensemble magazine, with MTA president, Catherine Barker.
He chats to Joe Hastings, from the charity Music Minds Matter, set up to provide a free 24/7 counselling service for musicians and music teachers;
And Ali Bowen-Davies and Lincoln Abbotts from the ABRSM explain the process that leads to the development and creation of new syllabuses for instrumental and vocal exams.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
www.musicteachers.org/publications/ensemble/
www.musicmindsmatter.org.uk
www.abrsm.org
Music Minds Matter: 0808 802 8008
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 85, Patrick meets Dice Wood, author of the teaching blog Grab and Go Guides, and chats about how to say No to excess workload, how to reduce time spent marking homework, and the message that homework sends to students.
Laura Hailstone from Music Mark introduces their annual conference, being held in November.
And Paul Blaylock discusses his highly successful approach to the KS3 curriculum, offering tips and insights.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://grabandgoguides.blogspot.com
https://www.musicmark.org.uk/events/music-mark-annual-conference-2023/
https://twitter.com/Paul_Blaylock
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 84, Patrick chats to Alex Aitken about his enormous new resource, Mastering A Level Music, focussing on the Edexcel course.
Lauren Elliott from Music Monsters introduces the wonderful work they do with young musicians from the age of three upwards, using play to teach the piano and theory.
And film and TV composer George Fenton looks at this year's GCSE Film Music Composition Briefs (from Eduqas and Edexcel). George also offers some insights to the art of film composition more generally, and gives some tips for aspiring film composers.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://masteringalevelmusic.co.uk
https://www.musicmonsters.co.uk
https://georgefenton.com
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In the first episode of the new academic year, Patrick chats to Rachel Shapey about her new book, co-authored with Nate Holder, Listen and Celebrate, written to help teachers to enrich and diversify music at Key Stage 3.
Leanne Sedin and Adam Saunders tell Patrick all about their new project, The Music Teachers' Choir, set up to get music teachers together to sing, every month.
And independent music consultant Dan Francis chats about the relationship between what's learnt in the music classroom, and what's learnt in instrumental/vocal lessons, and how the two can overlap more.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://www.icancompose.com/new-book-listen-celebrate-ks3-by-nathan-holder-and-rachel-shapey/
https://musicteacherschoir.com/
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In the final episode of the academic year, Patrick chats to Rob Reich-Storer about his music resource website, Rhythmstix, and to Katy Thomson about Ground:Ed, which offers workshops to help teachers and students harness their creativity, build awareness and self-confidence.
Finally, Patrick signs off the year by chatting to MTA President Catherine Barker, about the 2022-23 academic year, current issues in music education, and what's in store from the MTA for 2023-24.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
https://www.rhythmstix.co.uk/
https://discovergrounded.com/
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 82, Patrick talks to Niels Bastrup and Hans Jakobsen from aural training app Ear Master, about a new feature designed to help students with the aural tests in ABRSM exams and beyond;
Mark Aitchison shares his planning for the next academic year, taken from a recent MTA ECT webinar;
And Dr Rebecca Berkley, Associate Professor in Music Education, at the Institute of Education, at the University of Reading, discusses music training for primary school teachers, looking at specific problems and possible solutions, including training courses.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
https://www.earmaster.com/shop/product/abrsm-aural-trainer.html
https://www.abcd.org.uk/training/abcd-courses
https://singforpleasure.org.uk/product/summer-school-2023/
https://www.kodaly.org.uk/training-courses
https://www.nycos.co.uk/learn/kodaly-summer-school/
https://www.voices.org.uk/resources
https://www.singup.org/training
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In episode 80, Patrick finds out about the Why Music Festival, curated by Nate Holder - a one-day online festival on 4th July 2023, aimed at pupils, and featuring a wide variety of speaker. (Link below.)
Olivia Sparkhall tells Patrick all about her new book, “A Young Person's Guide to Vocal Health”, and talks about the importance of vocal health for young people, including the effects of bad habits. (Link below.)
And Christopher Stevens HMI, subject lead for Music at Ofsted, joins Patrick to answer a few questions about what Ofsted are looking for on inspections, and to discuss the purpose of assessment in music education.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
Why Music Festival: https://lnkd.in/ecYEvnpd
Young Persons's Guide to Vocal Health: https://oliviasparkhall.wixsite.com/sparkhallo/a-young-persons-guide
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 79, Patrick chats to pianist and composer Melanie Spanswick about her graded anthology of piano books, Women Composers, exclusively featuring music by female composers.
From the 2023 RiME conference, Cynthia Stephens-Himonides (Kingston University) and Meggie Young (Ohio State University) discuss their research into music teachers' self-identity when it comes to the use of technology in the classroom, both in the UK and the USA.
And Jazz pianist and educator Darius Brubeck offers some insights into teaching Jazz, improvisation, and Jazz composition.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
https://melaniespanswick.com
https://www.dariusbrubeck.com
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
MTA CONFERENCE SPECIAL
In Episode 78, Patrick reports from the 2023 MTA Conference, held in the Loughborough Schools Foundation.
Greg Coughlin discusses non-traditional routes to GCSE Music, Lisa Coley introduces the range of microphones available from Sontronics, Rebecca Arnold chats about her experiences at her first MTA Conference, and Charles Price explains how to demystify the composition process, especially at Key Stage 4.
Finally, outgoing president Don Gillthorpe reflects on the last two years, and incoming president Catherine Barker looks ahead to the future.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
Links:
www.sontronics.com
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 77, Patrick chats to Cynthia Stephens-Himonides and Maria Mendonça about incorporating Gamelan into curricula, particularly as a way of including disengaged young people.
Looking ahead to the 2023 MTA Conference, sneak previews of two of the sessions, with Mark Wilderspin ('How to take student compositions from good to great') and Lucinda Geoghegan ('The Kodály Approach').
Plus, Naomi McCarthy from the ISM, discussing their new campaign Save Our Subjects, calling on the government to do three very important things.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects
www.saveoursubjects.org
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 76, Patrick chats to Vanessa Wilson-Best about current matters in music education, and she gives an overview of the forthcoming Great Escape Festival’s Music Education Conference.
Composer-in-association with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Gavin Higgins, introduces the BBC’s Young Composer Competition.
And Dr Anthony Anderson explores his recent RiME presentation, looking at the ‘telescoping’ of KS3 curricula down from three years to two.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
https://greatescapefestival.com/conference/music-education-2023/
https://tinyurl.com/bbcyoungcomposercompetition23
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In Episode 75, Patrick chats to Amelia Parker, co-producer of BBC Radio 4’s “Rethinking Music” series on music education, about the making of the series.
Simon Toyne, Sophie Taylor-Denton and Caius Lee talk about the Rodolfus Foundation’s Choral Courses for young singers;
And Dr Anna Mariguddi gives a preview of her RiME presentation, looking at Dr Lucy Green’s model of informal learning in the current music education landscape.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001jskc
https://rime-conference.org
https://easychair.org/smart-program/RIME2023/
https://www.therodolfusfoundation.org.uk/sing
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
In episode 74, Patrick chats to Kwame Bakoji-Hume from African Activites, about West African Drumming, and misconceptions about the music; the Master of the King's Music Judith Weir CBE offers some compositional tips (with James Manwaring and Liz Dunbar, from Music Teacher Mondays); and Mark Aitchison introduces his research project, looking at long-term changes to classroom practice following the pandemic.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
africanactivities.org.uk
www.judithweir.com
tinyurl.com/MarkAitchisonCovidResearch
© Music Teachers' Association
www.musicteachers.org
2023 MUSIC AND DRAMA EXPO AND AWARDS SPECIAL
In Episode 73, Patrick visits the 2023 Music and Drama Expo, and chats to two of the speakers: Jessica Yuen on 'Exploring the Pentatonic', and Jazz pianist Richard Michael on 'Ingenious improvisation and arrangement techniques'.
Plus, Patrick speaks to Music Leader, Nathaniel Dye, about the music provision at Nelson Primary School in East Ham, winners of the 2023 Music Department of the Year at the Awards.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
In Episode 72, Patrick looks ahead to the Music and Drama Expo in February, chatting to two of the speakers about their forthcoming seminars:
In "No Practice? No Problem!", violinist and teacher Georgina Leach discusses the initial importance of practising an instrument, questioning whether it is a form of exclusion, and looks at basic introduction to improvisation for non-specialists.
And pianist Stephen Marquiss talks about The Anti-Racist Music Studio, and unconscious prejudice within our teaching.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
In episode 71, Patrick talks to the Chief Exec of the ORA Singers, Matt Beale, and to the General Manager, Tom Rayner, about their annual Young Composers’ Scheme, encouraging students to send in their compositions for consideration.
Michelle Buckman from the Musiq Group talks about their One Great Piano project, to get high-quality pianos into every school.
And Dr Steven Berryman explains the benefits of joining the Chartered College of Teaching, how to become a Chartered Teacher, and talks about music education today.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
https://www.orasingers.co.uk/young-composers
https://www.musiqgroup.co.uk/s/One-Great-Piano-Campaign.pdf
https://chartered.college
In the first episode of 2023, Letty Stott and Rebecca Celebuski from Gender And the Large and Shiny Instruments (GALSI) talk about the imbalance of female and non-binary musicians performing brass and percussion instruments;
Chris Hoban introduces a potential new national song, A Song of England;
And Ross Garrod discusses the ‘Missing Myelination Link’, the effect of regular musical practice on the brain’s development, and how understanding this could revolutionise education.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
https://www.largeandshiny.com
https://chrishoban.com
https://practicepalmusic.com/blog/let-music-sing/
In the final episode of 2022, Learning Director of Aurora Orchestra Rebecca Barnett tells Patrick about their new online resource for Early Years and KS1, The Magical Toy Box.
Plus, composer Bob Chilcott chats about Christmas Carols, including composition tips about melody and structure.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
https://app.learning.auroraorchestra.com
In Episode 68, Patrick chats to Ollie Tunmer about Beat Goes On's Body Percussion Scheme of Work for key stages 1–4;
And to Suzzie Vango & Lucy Hollins about their new book, "How to Make Your Choir Sound Awesome", focusing on warm-ups.
In the final interview, Patrick discusses the role of improvisation within the classroom, and the role that Jazz pedagogy can play, with the co-chair of Jazz in Education UK, and International Chair in Improvisation at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama: Simon Purcell.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
www.beatgoeson.co.uk/body-percussion-scheme-of-work/
www.howtomakeyourchoirsoundawesome.com
www.abdn.ac.uk/music/jazz-in-education/index.php
In Episode 67, Alex Parsons talks to Patrick about approaches to melodic dictation at KS3 and KS4, as well as ways to develop greater aural awareness;
And Ofsted’s National Lead for Music, and Senior HMI, Christopher Stevens, answers questions about curriculum design, and assessment in KS3 Music.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
https://trebleteaching.wordpress.com
Rebecca Ledgard and Sarah Batten from Ex Cathedra, tell Patrick all about their various educational resources, including Choir Maker, designed to embed a love of singing with Year 7s.
And legendary conductor Paul McCreesh gives some tips for running choir rehearsals, discusses Early Music in schools, and current and future Gabrieli Roar projects.
https://www.singingplaygrounds.co.uk/choirmaker/
https://excathedra.co.uk
https://www.gabrieli.com/roar/about-gabrieli-roar/
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
In episode 65, OCR’s Lead Subject Advisor for music, Marie Bessant, tells Patrick about the processes an exam board goes through to create GCSE Music exams;
And from a recent Hibbins Series webinar, Rachel Leach offers some ways to kick-start classroom compositions, and relate them to orchestral music;
Finally, Chief Executive of Music Mark, Bridget Whyte, gives details of their annual conference in cities across the UK and online.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
https://www.musicmark.org.uk/events/talk-into-action-conference-series-2022/
Patrick chats to Shivani Rattan about her new Indian Celebration Songs, designed to help young singers incorporate Indian celebrations into their choral experience. Shivani shares extracts from each of them, and explains their background.
And Haim Kairy, CEO of Arcana Instruments, introduces the Arcana Strum, an musical instrument especially designed for musicians with limited mobility and disability.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
www.musicteachers.org
www.shivanirattan.com
arcanainstruments.com
In Episode 63, Patrick chats to Prof. Nate Holder about the music of West Africa, and Nate's new book, "Where Are All The Instruments? West Africa".
Dr Matt Lawson, Senior Lecturer in Music, Oxford Brookes University, tells Patrick about his passion for Film Music, and his schools workshops to pass this on to the next generation.
And Emma Wild, Associate Director, Standards for Design, Development and Evaluation of General Qualifications for Ofqual, answers questions about GCSE exams, and Ofqual's role.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
https://www.nateholdermusic.com/product-page/where-are-all-the-instruments-european-orchestra
https://mattlawson.co.uk
In Episode 62, Chris Hoban chats to Patrick about Folk Music in the curriculum, with some useful ideas and tips.
There's an extract from a recent Music Teacher Monday webinar, in which Don Gillthorpe talks about ways to make KS4 Music more accessible.
And Dr Jennie Henley, Director of Programmes at the RNCM, discusses recurrent barriers to music education.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
Patrick reports on the recent MTA Connect day, with Lewis Edney and Alicia Johnson, and Alex Parsons introduces a great homework activity for KS3 students. Plus, Don Gillthorpe reflects on the academic year.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
In the wake of the National Plan for Music Education, "The Power of Music to Change Lives", Patrick talks to two of the panel of experts who helped to shape the Plan: Jamie Njoku-Goodwin and Catherine Barker.
They chat about the background to the Plan, and about various points raised in the Plan, and expectations for schools, and music departments.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
In Episode 59, Stephen O’Regan from the Ukraine Music Hub tells Patrick about the great work they’re doing to provide free music tuition to Ukrainians, recently arrived in the UK;
We hear an extract from a recent Music Teacher Mondays, led by James Manwaring and Liz Dunbar discussing classroom singing;
And Bridget Whyte introduces Music Mark’s ‘Talk into Action’ movement, supporting music education organisations in their EDI journey.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
In this episode, Executive Director of the ABRSM, Lincoln Abbotts, introduces their latest resource, Classroom 200;
Dr Kirsty Devaney discusses her research into the teaching of composition in schools, including surprising perceptions amongst students, and some myths;
And Ofsted’s National Lead for Music, and Senior HMI, Christopher Stevens, answers questions, sent in by music teachers.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
MTA CONFERENCE SPECIAL
Andy Stott, Head of Popular Music at the RNCM, introduces the RNCM’s new Young Artists’ programme;
Michael Hamilton introduces the Real Music Video Company, and what they can do for music departmetns;
And saxophonist YolanDa Brown chats about her keynote speech, and her approach to music education.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
MTA CONFERENCE PREVIEWIn this episode, Patrick looks towards the MTA Annual Conference, chatting to two companies from the trade fair, and two of the guest speakers, to find out what they will be talking about at the conference:
David Ryan from Furlong Solutions, introduces their new app;
Emily Crowhurst explains what ‘tuning’ a curriculum is, and the simple steps we can all take to help develop new Schemes of Work;
Michelle James from Sing Up talks about their work, and introduces a new programme for primary schools;
And professional drummer, Felix Higginbottom, on how to support students who want to go into the music industry.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
In Episode 55, author, educator and musician Andrew Gant tells Patrick about his new book, Five Straight Lines, covering the entire history of Western music;
Liz Dunbar offers some excellent, detailed advice about job applications, interviews and interview lessons;
And MTA committee member Mark Aitchison introduces a new mock-interview service provided by the MTA.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
Patrick interviews two of the winners at the recent Music & Drama Education Awards:
- Nick Thorne from Orchestras for All, and Mary-Alice Stack from the Inclusive Music Consortium.
Plus, Prof. Nate Holder gives an overview of the forthcoming free ‘Why Music’ CPD, looking at topics such as Rap, Music & Islam, Electronic Music & Hip Hop, Trinbagonian Culture & the Steel Pan, and the Roots of Blues.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
In episode 53, Harriet Clifford gives a preview of the Music & Drama Education Awards being held in late March;
Dr Steven Berryman introduces the new MTA Composing Club, in collaboration with NMC Recordings, using contemporary classical music to stimulate students’ compositions;
And Anna Gower and Steve Jackman chat about their use of Musical Futures in their lessons in Thailand, and beyond
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
In Episode 52, Natalie Wild tells Patrick all about her new book, ‘The Symphony from Mannheim to Mahler’;
And Ofsted's new National Lead for Music, Christopher Stevens, chats about inspections, demonstrations of progress, challenges facing music education, and the place of staff notation in the classroom.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
In episode 51, Dr Phil Mullen talks about a new series of webinars provided by MAC Makes Music, promoting inclusivity;
Stephanie Bissell and Natalie Wild introduce the wonderful work done by the Music in Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST);
And Dr Liz Stafford chats about curricula past, present, and future, with details of a forthcoming curriculum conference.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
Paul McCreesh and Simon Toyne announce the latest Gabrieli Roar project, featuring the music of Michael Praetorius;
Abigail D’Amore introduces Every Copy Counts, a campaign to help schools with the copying of music;
And former Charlie Parker sideman, Jazz legend Dick Hyman chats about all things Jazz, including his lessons in the 1940s with Teddy Wilson, what it was like to play with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, and the Blues in Jazz.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
In the first episode of 2022, Elliott Smith introduces his music education resource, The Teaching Gadget;
The MTA's own Gill Davies talks about her role, with details of several forthcoming events,
And X-Factor and Britain's Got Talent vocal coach, Annabel Williams, chats about singing: repertoire, technique, and her favourite singers.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
In Episode 48, composer, arranger, conductor and teacher Ralph Allwood chats about Christmas carols, getting started with composition, and creativity; and MTA President, Don Gillthorpe looks back at 2021, and forward to 2022.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
In Episode 47, Gemma Scotcher from Education Support explains the range of support provided to teachers who are suffering from poor mental health, including a 24/7 telephone counselling service;
In an extract from a recent MTA webinar, Senior HMI and Music Lead for Ofsted, Mark Phillips talks about the National Curriculum, and how it should be interpreted;
And SEND specialist, Kelly-Jo Foster-Peters talks about students with additional needs, music within specialist schools, and resources.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
In episode 46, Patrick welcomes Senior HMI and Music Lead for Ofsted, Mark Phillips back to the podcast to discuss Deep Dives: what Ofsted inspectors are looking for, what they’re NOT looking for, how to demonstrate progress, and much more;
Plus an extract from Sally Beamish’s recent Hibbins Series webinar with Steven Berryman;
And Chris Fish introduces the excellent provider of composition CPD, Passing Notes.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
In this episode, lead teacher Bhamika Bhudia discusses four teaching trends that she thinks should be abandoned in the classroom, including demonstrating progress, and frequent marking.
And Senior HMI and Music Lead for Ofsted, Mark Phillips returns to the podcast to discuss assessment in music education: what's valuable, what's not; the dangers of over-assessing; and a new approach to Assessment for Learning.
Presented and Produced by Patrick Johns
In Episode 44, MTA committee member Lewis Edney gives an update as to the MTA’s Partnerships programme;
An extract from the most recent Hibbins Series webinar with Master of the Queens Music, Judith Weir;
And composer Shirley J Thompson on fusions, and her influences.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
MUSIC EXPO SPECIAL!
In a report from the 2021 Music and Drama Education Expo, we hear from Director of Music at ELAM and founder of Rap Club, Ben Turner, reflecting on his CPD session, "The Music Teacher Bias";
Hans Lavdal Jakobsen, the MD of Ear Master, an app to help with students’ aural awareness;
One of the UK’s foremost musicians, Tasmin Little, on her perception of Music Education;
And Emily Penn, Lead of Online Music Education Initiative Connect (NYMAZ), on using online technologies to support instrumental learning in her talk, “Making music online: What did we learn from the pandemic?”
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
In Episode 42, Harriet Clifford gives a preview of the Music and Drama Education Expo;
Mark Aitchison chats about his role as Lecturer in Music Education at the University of Reading, looking at the challenges trainee music teachers are currently facing;
And Marion Friend explains her role as coach, mentor, facilitator and consultant, and how she can help music teachers.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
In Episode 41, Mike Simpson introduces Inspire Works Studios, the new interactive video resource to teach music from around the world;
Chrissy Kinsella reflects on the digital ensembles that were such a feature of 2020 and 2021, looking at their legacy and wider benefits;
And Cyrilla Rowsell from the Phoenix Collective discusses the teachings of Zoltán Kodály, and how they can fit into Schemes of Work.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
MARK PHILLIPS - OFSTED REVIEW - DON GILLTHORPE
In the last episode of the academic year, Ofsted's National Lead for Music, and Senior HMI, Mark Phillips discusses the recent music research review.
And MTA President Don Gillthorpe reflects on a challenging academic year, and looks at what can be taken into next year's teaching.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic
GetPlaying
LET'S CREATE - Jess Gillam ON LIVE MUSIC AND CAREERS - THE MMC AT KS1 and 2
In Episode 39, the Director of Music Education at Arts Council England, Hannah Fouracre, introduces the important work that Arts Council England, including their new project, Let’s Create;
Award-winning saxophone star, TV and Radio Presenter Jess Gillam discusses the importance of live music for children, and the perceived viability of music as a career;
And Dr Rebecca Berkley, Associate Professor in Music Education, at the University of Reading, looks at the Model Music Curriculum’s use for teaching music at Key Stage 1 and 2.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/letscreate
http://jessgillamsax.co.uk
CONDUCTING – ONLINE CPD – AND RAP IN THE CLASSROOM
In Episode 38, Manvinder Rattan from Sing for Pleasure and the Voices Foundation introduces the excellent work they do for young conductors, including training for conductors from ethnic minority backgrounds;
Fran Hannan from Musical Futures gives an overview of MuFuTV, the online week of CPD, for music teachers everywhere;
And music teacher, author and rapper Francis Winston discusses Rap’s place in the classroom, addresses some misunderstandings and concerns, and presents his outstanding new resource, Rappin’ the Classroom.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
Ross Garrod introduces Practice Pal, a new resource designed to support every aspect of students' instrumental and vocal tuition;
Chief Executive of Music Mark, Bridget Whyte, shares details of the new campaign Get Playing!, designed to promote and support the take up of instruments;
And the Children's Musical Director of the West End show Mary Poppins, Alex Aitken, in conversation about the place of Musical Theatre in the curriculum.
CanDoMusic #GetPlaying
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
http://practicepalmusic.com
https://www.musicmark.org.uk/getplaying
Blues historian, author and harmonica virtuoso, Adam Gussow chats about Blues Rock, dispels some myths, and offers some tips on getting students started with the Blues.
And teacher, composer and author Patrick Gazard offers some advice on how to incorporate some of the extraordinary teaching and learning that’s taken place in the last 14 months, in future lessons – and has a quick chat about the Model Music Curriculum.
CanDoMusic
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
Editor of Music Teacher magazine, Harriet Clifford, on contributing to the magazine, and this year’s Expo;
Plus, from the MTA Conference, Rachel Shapey discusses composing in the classroom;
One of the exhibitors, Sonia Yardley from tour operator One Stage talks about how 2021 is looking for school ensembles' tours;
And the incoming MTA President Don Gillthorpe on music education today.
CanDoMusic
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
In Episode 34, Chief Executive of Music for Youth, Judith Webster, gives an update of the 2021 festival;
Charlotte Penton-Smith, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Musicians, explains what the RSM can do to help all musicians and music teachers in need of assistance;
And, Professor at the University of Mississippi (and top harmonica player), Adam Gussow chats about the Blues: its origins, WC Handy, and Rock 'n' Roll (part 1).
CanDoMusic
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
Chris Fower from Warwick Music talks about their range of P-instruments, and a new way of teaching brass instruments, using informal learning: Brass Tabs;
Olivier Award-winning Musical Theatre star Ruthie Henshall talks about ways into Musical Theatre, looking after your voice, and the value of the long game;
And composers/performers Sarah Dacey and Dr Aaron Holloway-Nahum from contemporary music group the Riot Ensemble discuss new music, graphic scores, and ways into this music.
CanDoMusic
In Episode 32, we meet two of the winners from the 2021 Music and Drama Education Awards: Greg Coughlin from The Isaac Newton Academy, and Shaheen Chino Khan from The Bollywood Academy;
Plus a look at the new Model Music Curriculum, with Expert Panel members Julian Lloyd Webber and Carolyn Baxendale, and MTA Curriculum Lead, Catherine Barker.
CanDoMusic
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
Tim Garrard gives an overview of the MTA’s Partnerships programmes, linking schools with each other and with other musical providers; (1:20)
Extracts from the recent Hibbins Series webinar on Jazz, with author, historian, bassist, and BBC Radio 3 presenter Alyn Shipton, along with Patrick Johns; (10:00)
And Howard Goodall returns to give insights into his method of composition, and advice to young composers everywhere. (16:50)
CanDoMusic
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
www.alynshipton.co.uk/writing/
In Episode 30, Head of Education at Sound and Music, Judith Robinson, gives an overview of the composing CPD, resources and courses they provide for teachers and students;
We hear an extract of John Butt and Robert Quinney's excellent recent MTA webinar on JS Bach's Brandenburg Concerto no.4, and Purcell's Music for a While, both on the Edexcel GCSE syllabus;
And one of the world's finest Jazz musicians, multi-instrumentalist and academy leader James Morrison discusses his approach to teaching Jazz improvisation, with some profound insights, hints and tips.
CanDoMusic
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
In Episode 29 of Teaching Notes, Simon Toyne tackles an enormous question: "What should we be teaching in the Music classroom?";
Sarah Lambie brings an update about the Music and Drama Education Awards, to be held in March;
And former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett chats about Prog Rock, riffs, alternative tunings, and song-writing, including some tips for students, to help with writers’ block.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
CanDoMusic
WhatShouldSchoolsTeach
In Episode 28, we hear an extract of Paul McCreesh and Richard Wigmore’s excellent recent MTA webinar on Haydn’s Symphonies nos.101 and 104, as part of AQA and Eduqas A Level syllabi;
Film composer Sacha Puttnam give advice to students and teachers about the process of Film Composition;
And Dr Alexis Kallio discusses questions raised in her new book, ‘Difference and Division in Music Education’, with the conversation taking in identity, inclusivity, and… death metal!
CanDoMusic
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
Episode 27 of Teaching Notes looks at Steven Berryman’s new blogging project, which encourages reflection and debate about a whole host of important articles written about music education;
The UK’s best-selling female singer-songwriter, Katie Melua, discusses the art and craft of song-writing, with some tips to overcoming writers’ block;
And Vice-Chair of the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors, Dr Mick Walker, is on-hand to discuss the huge topic of assessment within education: its purpose, its problems and its future.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
CanDoMusic
Catherine Barker gives a sneak preview of the new MTA Webinars due to start in 2021;
And in a special interview for the festive season, John Rutter and Patrick discuss the power of choral singing, compositional approaches to carol-writing, text-setting, and we find out what John’s favourite carols are.
CanDoMusic
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
In Episode 25 of Teaching Notes, Patrick looks at the pros and cons of teaching in an international school, with Erika Cramp, currently teaching in Phuket, who also introduces The Music Teachers’ Kit, designed to help all those teaching the Cambridge iGCSE;
Julian Edwards from Naxostells Patrick all about the new online resource for Key Stages 1–3, Naxos MusicBox;
And MTA President Simon Toyne challenges common perceptions and possible pitfalls regarding the teaching of Classical Music, suggesting new ways to approach it, whilst offering valuable insights.
CanDoMusic
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
MTA member Michael Wright discusses the ethics and authenticity of teachers’ choice of music in the classroom;
Natalie Witts from the MU returns to talk about the copyright restrictions applicable to teachers’ own resources;
And Professor Martin Fautley confronts some big questions in music education, such as the perceived value (or not) of certain genres of music, what “musical quality” means in real terms, and much, much more.
CanDoMusic
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
media@musicteachers.org
In this episode, the artistic director of the Gabrieli Consort and Players, Paul McCreesh, introduces their new “Bach to School” singing resource, exploring the wonderful world of JS Bach’s chorales;
Natalie Witts, from the Musicians’ Union, answers questions about music copyright within schools, including crucial information that teachers need to know before embarking on virtual Christmas Concerts;
And composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer and pioneer of Bhangra, Kuljit Bhamra drops in to explain the music, set the record straight about certain matters, and he suggests some excellent resources.
Presented and Produced by Patrick Johns
Useful websites mentioned in the podcast
BACH TO SCHOOL
Bach to School: https://www.gabrieli.com/roar/bach-to-school/
COPYRIGHT
The Copyright Licensing Agency: www.cla.co.uk
PRS for Music: www.prsformusic.com
PPL: www.ppluk.com
The Educational Recording Agency: www.era.org.uk
Copyright & Schools: www.copyrightandschools.org
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (CDPA): https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/772818/copyright-designs-and-patents-act-1988.pdf
The Musicians’ Union: www.musiciansunion.org.uk
Government Copyright Advice: www.gov.uk/copyright
BHANGRA
Demystifying Indian Music: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLY5SLQd6KECnCiLHpFcmrHLVU7Ken6etg
https://www.rukusavenueradio.com/host-kuljit-bhamra
MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION: www.musicteachers.org/join-us
Episode 22 of Teaching Notes begins with Part 2 of an extended interview with composer, writer and TV presenter Howard Goodall, in which he discusses flaws in current assessment of composition, as well as tackling a big question: what is creativity?
Plus, Sarah Lambie gives an overview of the Music & Drama Education Awards, the nominations for which are currently open.
And, legendary British song-writer Guy Chambers chats to Patrick about the craft of song-writing, including how to get started and potential pitfalls.
Produced and presented by Patrick Johns.
Episode 21 of Teaching Notes, the MTA Podcast, is out now!
Head of Performing Arts at School 21, Emily Crowhurst tells Patrick about the wonderful music-rich curriculum at her school, which takes students from the age of 4 to 18;
Plus, Part 1of an extended interview with composer, writer and TV presenter Howard Goodall, in which he tackles some big issues in music education today, such as what the core subjects on a curriculum should be, and the wider-benefits and long-term gains of a strong music provision in schools.
Produced and presented by Patrick Johns.
This episode focusses on KS4 and KS5 composition, with music teacher and coursework moderator Jane Werry offering some dos and don’ts, amongst other great advice.
Plus, one invaluable of the UK’s top composers, Bob Chilcott offers invaluable advice to music teachers, about the compositional process.
And speech and language therapist Brian Saccente-Kennedy discusses teachers’ vocal health, flagging up the long-term consequences of poor technique, and he gives some important advice for all teachers.
Produced and presented by Patrick Johns.
Kicking off the new term with a new series of Teaching Notes, Patrick talks to MTA President Simon Toyne about changes this term in the Music Classroom, and about the new campaign #CanDoMusic; and we hear from several music teachers about their plans for the lessons.
Also, legendary comedian, impressionist, writer and opera translator Rory Bremner tells Patrick about a terrific new audio book he’s been involved in, to help get Years 3–7 into Classical Music.
And the UK’s first Professor of Mental Health in Education, Professor Barry Carpenter discusses The Recovery Curriculum, and some crucial aspects of children’s post-lockdown mental health, that all teachers should consider when planning lessons.
Produced and presented by Patrick Johns.
In Episode no.18, the last podcast of the academic year, we hear from Catherine Barker about discussions at recent MTA webinars on the topic of returning to school, and the Executive Director of London Music Masters, Rob Adediran, introduces the diversity and inclusion strategy tool, “I’m In”.
Also, James Manwaring gives some excellent advice to teachers already thinking about the Autumn Term; and MTA President Simon Toyne signs the academic year off by reflecting on how far we’ve all come this year, and how we can prepare for next year.
Produced and presented by Patrick Johns.
In Episode no.17, James McKelvey introduces Patrick to an alternative qualification for Key Stage 5, the International Baccalaureate Diploma; Gareth Davies from the London Symphony Orchestra and film maker Vic Craven talk about the creation of the hugely successful “Where’s Simon?” online project, involving students playing along with the LSO and Sir Simon Rattle.
Plus, Jazz legend, and former Miles Davis sideman, Ron Carter chats about introducing Jazz to beginners, and recommends some recordings for beginners to listen to.
Produced and presented by Patrick Johns.
In Episode no.16, Andrew Moxon discusses the large part that his students’ external music-making plays within his school'sl life; and Musical Futures’ Fran Hannan introduces their online TV channel #mufutv.
Plus, Patrick discusses various approaches to teaching Jazz to beginners, with Grammy Award-winning Jazz musician Loren Schoenberg, from the Juilliard School of Music.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
In Episode no.15, Julian Whittaker looks back on his Key Stage 4 students’ work during lockdown, and Patrick meets opera singer Mark Llewelyn Evans, author of The ABC of Opera, designed to introduce opera to young children.
Plus, world-famous cellist Julian Lloyd-Webber and Patrick discuss the life-changing experiences that Classical music can give to students, and some of the challenges associated with teaching it.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
In Episode no.14, Dave Lowe gives Patrick an overview of the subjects his Year 7s study, including a terrific iPad project; plus Hayley Clements, the Head of Learning and Participation for RCM Sparks at the Royal College of Music explains how their partnerships with schools work, and how schools can get involved.
Plus, in the wake of recent worldwide events, Patrick talks to musician and author Nate Holder about decolonising our own music curricula, providing food for thought for teachers everywhere to re-examine their own lessons.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
In Episode no.13, Head of Music Mark Aitchison tells Patrick how he’s managed to turn round two struggling music departments, and explains his different approach to Key Stage 3 learning; plus Austen Smart from Future DJs gives some insider information as to the services they provide to schools.
Plus, Patrick finds out about a charity that transforms lives through music, Brass for Africa, talking to superstar trumpeter Alison Balsom, charity founder Jim Trott and Director of Music Education Lizzie Burrowes abouttheir work in Uganda, and the life-changing opportunities they can provide for students in UK schools.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
In Episode no.12, Naomi Cook from Collins Learning tells Patrick about Music Express, an incredible resource for Primary Music, and James Manwaring offers some thought-provoking ideas about the importance of focussed listening, both for teachers and students.
Plus, Mike Simpson from Inspire Works UK tells Patrick just what "World Music" means nowadays, and offers some practical tips for getting started with this huge topic, especially when resources are thin on the ground.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
In Episode no.11, Chi-Chi Nwanoku talks about the Chineke! Junior Orchestra’s recent success in Britain’s Got Talent, Patrick chats to Dan Clark from Rock School about their increasingly popular qualifications, and Tim Garrard gives an overview of what to expect in this year’s online conference, “MTA at Home”.
Plus, one of the stars of conferences past and present – Harry the Piano – talks Jazz, improvisation workshops, and rises to the challenge of Patrick’s classical-Rockney fusion!
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
In Episode no.10, Patrick chats to Lincoln Abbotts from the ABRSM about Classical 100, James Manwaring reports on a discussion about composing at home, and plus, in an interview from the Music Expo in early March 2020, Patrick finds out from Peter Craik, from the English Folk Dance and Song Society why we all need folk music in our schools.
Plus, Patrick Gazard and Jane Werry, co-authors of “Being a Head of Music – A Survival Guide” explain the book’s genesis, look at the position’s wider role, and give invaluable tips to all aspiring Heads of Music.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
In this episode, Patrick chats to Daniel Spreadbury from Steinberg, about Dorico, and what it can do for music teachers.
Simon Toyne feeds back about how one-to-one tuition is working in schools, including the use of technology and the wider life of the music departments during lockdown.
Plus, looking back to the Music Expo in early March 2020, Patrick meets Vinota Karunasaagarar from the ISM, and the head of Ealing Music Service, Yogesh Dattani, revealing the new online Indian classical music resource “Indian Takeaway: Rag and Tal Basics”.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
In this episode, Patrick chats to TV Psychologist Emma Kenny about the effect of lockdown on students' and teachers' mental health, and to Joan Lind from Try Booking, about how they can make school concert admin much easier for us all.
Plus, James Manwaring offers some excellent advice about the transition from Key Stage 3 to 4, and 4 to 5, for this year's cohort.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
In this episode, Caitlin Sherring, Kate Davis and Gareth Hemmings summarise recent Music Teachers’ Association online meetings on the topic of Setting Up The New Term Online.
Plus we hear from Dr Steven Berryman about a new Collaborative blog, revisiting a seminal Music Education book.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
In this episode, Emily Crowhurst and Mark Wilderspin summarise recent Music Teachers’ Association online meetings about KS3–5 remote teaching.
And we hear from Julian Whittaker and Catherine Barker about what lessons will be taking place in their schools this term, offering some ideas for Music Teachers everywhere.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
In this episode, Simon Toyne and Simon Williamson give summaries of recent MTA online meetings, Dave Lowe introduces an overview of his online teaching course and projects, and Patrick looks at the most recent Ofqual announcement regarding Year 11s' and 13s' grades.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns
As the music education landscape changes day by day, and with this year's exams cancelled in the wake of Coronavirus, Patrick Johns identifies some websites and resources to help music teachers everywhere, and gives the headlines from the most recent governmental announcement [as of 25.03.20].
Plus, Richard Payne introduces the variety of resources provided by Music First, and James Manwaring offers some inspiring words for us all.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.
In this third episode of Teaching Notes, Patrick gets some last minute composition tips for KS4 and KS5, from composer and Director of Music, Dr Steven Berryman; hears from Angus Meryon about a fantastic KS3 lesson - Pencil Case Music - for when you have no instruments or computers available; and meets the CEO of the London Music Fund, Chrissy Kinsella, to find out about the LMF's new collaboration with YouTube, entitled Amplify London.
Produced and presented by Patrick Johns.
In this second episode of Teaching Notes, the Music Teachers' Association's podcast, Patrick Johns visits The Kingston Academy to meet the Head of Music, Celia Carter, to chat about their KS3 Schemes of Work, and some of the problems of being a single-person department; plus James Manwaring offers some helpful advice on essay-writing at KS4 and KS5; and Patrick meets violinist Nicola Benedetti and her colleague Elsa Bradley to find out more about Nicola’s new Benedetti Sessions weekends.
Presented by Patrick Johns.
In this first episode of Teaching Notes, the Music Teachers' Association's new podcast, Patrick meets Helena McKillop at The Peterborough School to find out about their Schemes of Work at KS3, and their preferred exam boards at KS4 and KS5; plus Michael Wright delivers some excellent CPD on a scheme of work on Looping; and current MTA President Simon Toyne discusses the current position of Music Education in the UK, and more.
Presented and produced by Patrick Johns