Goodness, a month's a long time in music education. Actually, the saying is about politics of course, and refers to a week, not longer, but no harm in riding what commentators are calling a ‘bumper time for journalists’. This year is set to have the largest ever number of people voting across the world in democratic elections, which has to be a cause for celebration, even if we're apprehensive about what's to come.
It's also been a bumper time for music ed news, both good and bad. The new music hubs for England, from September, have been announced as part of a reorganisation following a bidding process. And we now know what the £25 million DfE grant for ‘musical instruments’ can be spent on, because of the persistence of Kate Rounding and Richard Llewellyn, whom we should all thank.
In addition, the House of Commons Education Committee heard evidence for the first time on the impact of the changes to music hubs. This issue carries a special report on this, and a column by Music Mark reflecting on recent events. There is also the greenest of shoots for GCSE Music entries to report on.
At the other extreme, we were all sad to learn of the demise of Voices Foundation, a major force in primary singing for three decades, and of the possible closure of RWCMD's junior department (although, I sense, this isn't the end of that story). So, MT brings both good and bad news, for processing from the comfort of your armchair/piano stool/paddleboard.
The subject focus of this month's issue is percussion. We cover pedagogy, technique, genre and style, hearing from professional players who are also educators. For pedagogy, Shanti Jayasinha introduces a fascinating method for developing core skills – long before we reach for sticks or notation – by thinking in circles and using the whole body. I encourage all, not just percussionists, to try the exercises, which are fun yet revealing (they were for me, at least).
For technique, Junior Guildhall's Adam Osmianski repurposes a celebrated method book, demonstrating the value of continuity and stylistic awareness. He also takes us on a tour of Rio, exploring the city's samba schools, blocos and Son clave (yes, the cross-rhythm that screams ‘Carnival’). For all those running junior samba bands out there, he provides atmosphere and a sense of what samba is. Continuing the percussion theme, Ollie Tunmer discusses extended uses of body percussion, drawing on examples from recent projects.
Elsewhere in MT this month, you'll find a report from one of our premiere brass bands and its exciting education offer, and from a Stringcredibles project celebrating diversity across the West Midlands. In terms of research, we also hear from the architects of the award-winning Listen Imagine Compose Primary, and from Hanh Doan on her journey as a secondary ITE music lead and the importance of pedagogy.
By the time this issue lands, the programme for our next MT conference, ‘Access and Impact’, will be available to view online. Set for 15 October, there's an exciting programme and a host of new speakers. We hope to see you there.
– Phil Croydon, editor
