Podcast Archive – episodes 1-50
Episode 50.
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.
Episode 49.
In Episode 49, Elliott Smith introduces The Teaching Gadget; Gill Davies talks about her role at the MTA, including forthcoming events; and X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent vocal coach, Annabel Williams, chats about singing: repertoire, technique, and her favourite singers.
Episode 48.
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.
Episode 47.
Gemma Scotcher from Education Support on the mental health support they provide for teachers; from a recent MTA webinar, Senior HMI and Music Lead for Ofsted, Mark Phillips talks about interpreting the National Curriculum; and Kelly-Jo Foster-Peters talks about students with additional needs.
Episode 46.
Chris Fish, introducing composition CPD provider, Passing Notes; Sally Beamish on her routes into composition, and non-classical music; And Senior HMI and Music Lead for Ofsted, Mark Phillips discussing Deep Dives.
Episode 45.
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.
Episode 44.
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.
Episode 43.
Music and Drama Education Expo Special!
Ben Turner, reflecting on his CPD session, The Music Teacher Bias; Hans Lavdal Jakobsen, on Ear Master, an app to help with students’ aural awareness; 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.
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, as well as introducing the MTA’s new trainee teacher support service; and Marion Friend explains her role as coach, mentor, facilitator and consultant, and how she can help music teachers.
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.
Episode 40.
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.
Episode 39.
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.
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.
Episode 37.
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.
Episode 36.
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 (part 2); 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.
Episode 35.
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.
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).
Episode 33.
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.
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.
Episode 31.
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)
Episode 30.
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.
Episode 29.
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.
Episode 28.
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!
Episode 27.
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.
Episode 26.
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
Episode 25.
The pros and cons of teaching in an international school are discussed by Erika Cramp, currently teaching in Phuket, who also introduces The Music Teachers’ Kit, designed to help all those teaching iGCSE; Julian Edwards from Naxos tells 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.
Episode 24.
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
Episode 23.
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.
Episode 22.
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.
Episode 21.
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.
Episode 20.
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.
Episode 19.
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.
Episode 18.
Catherine Barker on recent MTA webinars about returning to school; Executive Director of London Music Masters, Rob Adediran, introduces the diversity and inclusion strategy tool, “I’m In”. 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.
Episode 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. Jazz legend, and former Miles Davis sideman, Ron Carter chats about introducing Jazz to beginners, and recommends some recordings for beginners to listen to
Episode 16.
Andrew Moxon discusses the large part that his students’ external music-making plays within his school’s life; Musical Futures’Fran Hannanintroduces their online TV channel #mufutv. Patrick discusses various approaches to teaching Jazz to beginners, with Grammy Award-winning Jazz musician Loren Schoenberg, from the Juilliard School of Music.
Episode 15.
Julian Whittaker looks back on his Key Stage 4 students’ work during lockdown; Patrick meets opera singer Mark Llewelyn Evans, author of The ABC of Opera, designed to introduce opera to young children. 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.
Episode 14.
Dave Lowe gives Patrick an overview of the subjects his Year 7s study, including a terrific iPad project; 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. 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.
Episode 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; Austen Smart from Future DJs gives some insider information as to the services they provide to schools. 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 about their work in Uganda, and the life-changing opportunities they can provide for students in UK schools.
Episode 12.
Naomi Cook from Collins Learning tells Patrick about Music Express; James Manwaring offers some thought-provoking ideas about the importance of focussed listening; Mike Simpson from Inspire Works UK tells Patrick just what “World Music” means
Episode 11.
Chi-Chi Nwanoku talks about the Chineke! Junior Orchestra’s recent success in Britain’s Got Talent; Dan Clark from Rock School talks about their increasingly popular qualifications; Tim Garrard gives an overview of what to expect in this year’s online conference, “MTA at Home”. Harry the Piano – talks Jazz, improvisation workshops, and rises to the challenge of Patrick’s classical-Rockney fusion!
Episode 10.
Lincoln Abbotts from the ABRSM about Classical 100; James Manwaring reports on a discussion about composing at home; Peter Craik, from the English Folk Dance and Song Society on why we all need folk music in our schools; Patrick Gazard and Jane Werry, co-authors of “Being a Head of Music – A Survival Guide” explain the book’s genesis
Episode 9.
An introduction to Dorico – Daniel Spreadbury (Steinberg); One-to-one learning, and music departments’ wider role – Simon Toyne; The ISM, and “Indian Takeaway – Rag and Tal Basics” – Vinota Karunasaagarar and Yogeth Dattani
Episode 8.
How Try Booking can help future school concerts – Joan Lind (Try Booking); Transition from Key Stage 3 to 4, and 4 to 5 – James Manwaring; Psychology of remote learning – Emma Kenny
Episode 7.
Setting Up the New Term Online in Primary Schools – Caitlin Sherring and Kate Davis; Setting Up the New Term Online in Secondary Schools – Gareth Hemmings; Curriculum Conversations – Steven Berryman
Episode 6.
Teaching KS3 music online – Emily Crowhurst; Teaching KS4/5 music online – Mark Wilderspin; KS3 update from The Crypt School, Gloucester – Julian Whitaker; KS3 update from United Learning Schools – Catherine Barker
Episode 5.
Ensembles: keeping going when schools are closed – Simon Toyne; Vocal & Instrumental teaching – Simon Williamson; Composition and teaching using video (YouTube) – David Lowe; Ofqual update – Patrick Johns
Episode 4.
Remote learning resources plus latest announcements on exams and coursework; Online learning – Richard Payne, Music First; Help for students working at home – James Manwaring
Episode 3.
Composition coursework – Dr Steven Berryman; Pencil case music – Angus Meryon; London Music Fund – CEO Chrissy Kinsella
Episode 2.
Meet the teacher – Celia Carter; Nicola Benedetti – Music education and the Benedetti Foundation; KS4 and KS5 – James Manwaring
Episode 1.
Meet the teacher – Helena McKillop; Looping with a scheme of work – Michael Wright; Introduction to the MTA and music education landscape – Simon Toyne (President)