Music Teacher • 1st September 2022

What do headteachers think of the National Plan for Music Education?

No two schools are the same, and every headteacher will have unique views about the NPME and its place in their school. Harriet Richards investigates.

Music Teacher • 1st September 2022

Philip Flood interview: beyond 'youth voice' and 'challenging circumstances'

What do we mean when we talk about ‘challenging circumstances’ and ‘youth voice’ in music education? Harriet Richards speaks to Sound Connections’ director Philip Flood about the meaning behind these oft-used phrases.

Music Teacher • 1st August 2022

London Rhymes on 'openness, kindness, and okay-ness' in early years music

Winners of the Excellence in Primary/Early Years category at this year's Music & Drama Education Awards, London Rhymes produces ‘original tunes for today's tots’. Harriet Richards meets founder and singer Rosie Adediran, percussionist Rosie Bergonzi, and clarinettist Jessie Grimes to find out more.

Music Teacher • 1st August 2022

Alexis Ffrench interview: 'I like to think of myself as somewhat of a disrupter in all that I do'

Classical soul artist Alexis Ffrench was recently appointed as ABRSM's first artistic director. Harriet Richards meets him to find out more about his ambitions for the role.

Music Teacher • 1st July 2022

David Lewis interview: Star of the show

Winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Music & Drama Education Awards, Young Voices founder David Lewis is celebrating the choir's 25th anniversary this year. Harriet Richards meets him to learn more about the man behind the biggest school choir in the world.

Music Teacher • 1st July 2022

Owain Wyn Evans interview: A ray of sunshine

Whether we're aware of it or not, many of us have preconceptions about what a ‘typical’ drummer looks like and the kind of music they play. Welsh journalist and broadcaster Owain Wyn Evans hopes he can show children that anyone can be a drummer, as Harriet Richards discovers.

Music Teacher • 1st June 2022

In sync with the times: SYNKii for instrumental music teachers

Are online instrumental lessons things of the pandemic-related past? Co-founders of SYNKii think not, as Harriet Clifford discovers.

Music Teacher • 1st June 2022

Anna Lapwood interview: One of a kind

Organist, conductor and broadcaster Anna Lapwood has already done much to bring organ playing and choral singing into the 21st century and inspire a future generation of musicians. Harriet Clifford meets her to discuss everything from her education and career to ‘thatched roof TikTok’.

Music Teacher • 1st May 2022

Helen MacGregor interview: 'Listen & Celebrate' in primary music

On the publication of a new resource for the primary classroom, co-author Helen MacGregor speaks to Harriet Clifford about how 'Listen & Celebrate' can support specialists and generalists to open up a world of music.

Music Teacher • 1st May 2022

Paul Clark interview: Ear Opener masterclasses in writing music

With nearly 5k current subscribers, Ear Opener masterclasses aim to ‘demystify the process of writing music’. Harriet Clifford speaks to Paul Clark, the musician and composer behind the YouTube channel.

Music Teacher • 1st April 2022

Conference preview: Sound Connections' Inclusive Practice in Action

Sound Connections is hosting Inclusive Practice in Action – Dancing with the Process of Life: Exploring Mental Health and Wellbeing on 7 April at Amnesty International in Shoreditch, London. Harriet Clifford meets Brenda Rattray, Voice Expressions founder and Sound Connections guest curator, to find out more.

Music Teacher • 4th March 2022

Christopher Stevens interview: Living up to high standards

Only a few months into his new role, Ofsted’s national lead for music Christopher Stevens HMI speaks to MT’s editor about his background, curriculum design, progression, teacher workload, and much more.

Music Teacher • 1st March 2022

A composer a day: Women's History Month Listening Calendar

To mark Women's History Month this March, Rachel Shapey from I Can Compose has been busy creating an innovative musical resource for students, finds Harriet Clifford.

Music Teacher • 1st March 2022

Building up little musicians: Rocksteady and Trinity's primary qualification

Rocksteady Music School and Trinity College London's new music qualification for primary aged children has blasted off the blocks and into classrooms this term. Harriet Clifford speaks to Mark Robinson and Rachel Hawker from Rocksteady to find out more.

Music Teacher • 1st February 2022

Gently does it: Live Music Now Lullaby Project

The humble lullaby has great potential to support new mothers and their babies with mental health, bonding, and development. Harriet Clifford meets Live Music Now's Lullaby Project lead Karen Irwin and cellist Georgina Aasgaard to find out more.

Music Teacher • 1st January 2022

Teaching in tune: How to support students with performance anxiety

Many instrumental and vocal students suffer with performance anxiety, whether or not you (or they) label it as that. Harriet Clifford speaks to Amy Littlewood who, with her performance mentor hat on, shares how teachers can support young players with their mental health.

Music Teacher • 1st December 2021

Playing her part: Jess Gillam

Saxophonist and presenter Jess Gillam is well and truly on a roll. On the release of her films in the London Mozart Players' ‘Spotlight On…Education’ series, Harriet Clifford meets her to find out why she does what she does

Music Teacher • 1st December 2021

Meet the sponsor: Elena Cobb

Ahead of the Music & Drama Education Awards in March, Harriet Clifford meets the sponsor of the Music Teacher magazine Editor's Award Elena Cobb, composer and managing director of EVC Music

Music Teacher • 1st November 2021

Five minutes a day: Primary instrumental scheme

Intrigued by her DIY primary instrumental scheme, Harriet Clifford speaks to Sue Walker, Year 4/5 teacher and music lead at Bosbury CE Primary School, about how five minutes of playing a day can lead to a whole school rendition of Jingle Bells, and then some.

Music Teacher • 1st November 2021

Post-Expo briefing: London 2021

Following the success of the ninth annual Music & Drama Education Expo | London, Harriet Clifford gives you the lowdown on the show.