Whichever sessions you choose to attend at the Music & Drama Education Expo, you’re guaranteed to come away feeling inspired and energised – the two-day schedule is packed with some of music education's best speakers and most innovative thinkers. But, if you’re after some help with which sessions to attend in February, take a look at our highlights below, categorised by what you might be looking for in a music education-focused workshop.
Day 1
If you’re feeling demotivated
Warm up: South African gumboot dance – Lucky Moyo
9:30am, Keynote Theatre
There's nothing better than a dance at 9:30 in the morning. Lucky Moyo is the definition of motivational, so you’re bound to come away from this warm-up reminded of the joys of music and ready to introduce your students to diverse musical traditions.
Panel | Advocating for the arts – chaired by ISM's Dr Jodie Underhill
12:30pm, Keynote Theatre
It's frustrating and demoralising if you feel your voice isn't being heard by senior leadership. Chaired by the Independent Society of Musicians's (ISM) Dr Jodie Underhill, this panel discussion will arm you with practical ideas for how you might better advocate for music in your school, which could result in better support for you and your department.
If you want fuss-free information
Utilising Microsoft OneNote and Teams for creative subjects – Laura Hughes
11:00am, Seminar Theatre
Suitable for teachers of Key Stages 2–5, this session does what it says on the tin. Practising performing arts teacher Laura Hughes will leave you with clear guidance for getting more out of these widely used Microsoft platforms, ready for the classroom.
Know your rights: employment law workshop – Chris Walters and David Barnard
3:45pm, Workshop Theatre
Employment law doesn't have to be dry. Chris Walters and David Barnard from the Musicians’ Union will make it relevant to you and your work as a music teacher, equipping you with the information you need to remain in control of your career.
If you’re lacking in confidence
The secondary music teacher's survival guide – Candice Wood
12:15pm, Seminar Theatre
Perhaps you’re unsure whether you have what it takes to balance KS3 music teaching with being a functioning human being. Dice Wood has some practical tips for you based on her own experience in the classroom.
Becoming a confident primary music subject lead – Rebecca Beavis
12:30pm, Workshop Theatre
Whether you’re a seasoned music lead, have only just landed the role, or are considering taking the leap, Rebecca Beavis's practical and empowering session is sure to leave you feeling better equipped. You'll come away understanding how to set goals and formulate an action plan.
If you want to be challenged
The refreshed National Plan for Music Education: equality, diversity and inclusion
10:15am, Keynote Theatre
The Music Education Council's Phil Castang will lead a sector-wide discussion about equality, diversity and inclusion, using the National Plan for Music Education published last year as a starting point. The session will challenge you to think about moving away from targeted projects and towards universal access to high-quality music education for all.
No practice? No problem: reassessing our priorities as instrumental teachers – Georgina Leach
1:15pm, Seminar Theatre
This session is likely to encourage lively debate among instrumental teachers. Georgina Leach will cover uptake at GCSE, metacognition, students’ home environments, and self-directed learning.
If you want to get involved
Inspiring independent learning for A Level Music – James Manwaring
1pm, Sharing Lab
Join James Manwaring and a small group of other A Level Music teachers to problem-solve and discuss ideas for motivating your students to work independently.
Running a West African drum session – Kwame Bakoji-Hume
2:45pm, Workshop Theatre
What better way to learn how to run a West African drum session than to take part in one? Kwame Bakoji-Hume will be sharing insight throughout.
If you’re after fresh ideas
Teaching improvisation: build your own improviser's ‘toolbox’ – Nathaniel Dye
2:45pm, Keynote Theatre
Improvising doesn't come naturally to many of us, so a toolbox is surely in high demand… Come along to this session and build up your confidence and skills.
The process, not the product: inspiring students to compose – Martin Scheuregger
3:15pm, Seminar Theatre
Like improvisation, composition is often seen as one of the more challenging areas of music to teach. If you’re looking for new ways to approach it in the classroom, this is the session for you.
Day 2
If you’re lacking in confidence
How to create a successful, progressive primary music curriculum – Karen Marshall
1:45pm, Keynote Theatre
This session from Karen Marshall is bound to give you a much-needed boost for the year ahead. You'll come away with a greater understanding of what a systematic and broad primary curriculum looks like, and the confidence to apply what you've learnt to your own school or instrumental lessons.
Designing an effective KS3 curriculum – Christopher Ricketts, Liz Dunbar and Kyle McInnis
3:15pm, Seminar Theatre
In this session, you'll hear from three different KS3 music teachers about their approach to the curriculum. With three sources of insight, experience, inspiration and practical applications, how could you not leave feeling more confident?
If you want to be challenged
Decolonising, decentralising, diversifying: challenging 150 years of assessment in instrumental learning – Roger Wilson and Francesca Christmas
10:15am, Keynote Theatre
The co-founder of Black Lives in Music, Roger Wilson, and head of music at Trinity College London, Francesca Christmas, will address these hugely significant topics head on, challenging you to reflect on your own views and opening up the floor to productive discussion.
The anti-racist music studio – Stephen Marquiss
1pm, Seminar Theatre
Having been on his own journey in his understanding of anti-racism in instrumental lessons, Stephen Marquiss will help us tackle this topic in an open, non-judgemental way.
If you want to reach specific groups
Trauma informed practice for musical inclusion – Emily Foulkes
10am, Seminar Theatre
Is trauma something you think about often? Probably not, especially in the context of your music students. Music for Good's Emily Foulkes opens up the theory of trauma informed practice.
Music education as a tool to support displaced children and young people and their host communities – Jim Pinchen
12:30pm, Workshop Theatre
Have you ever considered the unique opportunities music educators in host communities have to engage with displaced young people? Knowledge gained from this session will enable you to develop offers in your local area.
If you want to get involved
Warm up: voices together – Charles MacDougall
9:30am, Keynote Theatre
Charles MacDougall's infectious energy won't fail to get you ready for the day. You'll also take away a fresh understanding of the key components of a successful vocal warm-up and a toolkit of new activities to use with your students.
Group discussions on: music education and social justice – Natasha Hendry
11:15am, Sharing Lab
This will be a small group conversation about the place (or not) of social justice in music education. Come along if you already have thoughts about this, or whether you just want to learn more.
If you’re after fresh thinking
Activating youth leadership in ensemble music – Sarah Alexander
11am, Seminar Theatre
This will be a lively session incorporating film, breakout groups, and whole-group discussions on the benefits of shared leadership between music leaders and young people in music ensembles.
Teach like a CEO: preparing students for the creative industries – Benjamin Turner
2:45pm, Keynote Theatre
Intrigued by the title of this session? Come along and hear how Benjamin Turner envisages a classroom that is truly reflective of the music industry.
