MT: Describe yourself in three words.
RT: Creative, caring and committed.
MT: What will you be sharing with Expo delegates?
RT: My session is designed to demonstrate how Makaton can be used to support the development of language and communication in music sessions. It will be a practical session, using the fundamental principle of ‘key word signing’ to make singing sessions accessible to all, so be ready to sing and sign!
For those unfamiliar, Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, and organisation of language and expression.
Being able to communicate is one of the most important skills we need in life. Almost everything we do involves communication: learning at school, asking for food and drink, solving problems, making friends and having fun all rely on our ability to communicate successfully.
MT: Tell us a bit about your background and career.
RT: I’ve always loved to sing, and my instrumental journey started with the recorder at around age six – and I’ve never looked back. I played violin from the age of eight before discovering the clarinet a couple of years later. I took up saxophone and guitar in my early teens and took every opportunity to play and perform, whether at school, in regional orchestras or at university. I’ve been a primary teacher and music specialist for 20 years and, as a committed musician, singer and songwriter, I’ve led choirs, classes and our whole school on exciting and inclusive musical journeys.
During the pandemic I formed a writing partnership with Kevin Stannard – and Hummingbirds Music was born. We write songs to engage young people through appropriate linguistic and musical challenges while raising awareness of key global issues.
I first discovered Makaton 16 years ago, when my son Jacob was born. He has Down’s Syndrome and uses Makaton to support his communication. I’ve been a tutor for nearly 10 years, and I love the inclusivity Makaton brings to music sessions. I’m passionate about supporting young people with communication challenges and looking for ways to make music accessible to all.
MT: If you could make one change to the UK music education system, what would it be?
RT: Many surveys of primary teachers reveal that music is often the subject they feel least confident to teach, and teacher-training courses with a music specialism have all but disappeared. I’d really like to see better training for our future teachers – and CPD for existing teachers – so that we can provide children and young people with the excellent musical education they deserve.
MT: What was a key takeaway from your music education?
RT: That music is powerful, transformative and a source of great joy.
MT: Who should attend your Expo session and why?
RT: Anyone and everyone! You’ll get to learn a great new song from the Hummingbirds’ repertoire, and once you see Makaton in action, you will be hooked. You don’t need any prior experience of signing to benefit from the session – and if you have experience, come along and put it into action! Signing is a skill that can be applied in any environment from early years and primary through to adulthood, and it’s not just for learners with SEND.
MT: What do you hope to see happen in music education in the next five years?
RT: I’d like meaningful investment and joined-up thinking to give students access to high-quality musical experiences; greater collaboration between music hubs and other organisations to offer students a more diverse range of opportunities; and for music to be at the centre of the school curriculum.
MT: In your view, what should we be talking about that isn’t currently getting enough attention?
RT: The importance of developing good communication skills and the impact this has on learning and wider society.
MT: What artist/composer are you listening to on repeat this week?
RT: I’m attending a come-and-sing event in September, so I’m brushing up on my Vivaldi Gloria.
You can hear more from Rebecca Thompson at the 2025 Music & Drama Education Expo, taking place on 30 and 31 January at the Business Design Centre in London. Register free and view the full programme at musicanddramaeducationexpo.co.uk
