Make Your Mark: Notes on Music Education

Following the launch of Music Mark’s ‘A Common Approach: Early Years’ programme, we discuss why early years music education is crucial for child development. Nicola Burke, Polly Ives, and Amy Campbell share their experiences and beliefs about the importance of music for young children, exploring how vital music education and exploration are, not just an enrichment activity, but as a fundamental aspect of child development. Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/podcast. 

This episode discusses the significance of a creative curriculum in music education, exploring student engagement, innovative teaching strategies, the impact of Artsmark, and the need to build confidence in both teachers and students. The conversation also touches on the challenges of advocating for music within the curriculum and the importance of supporting teachers in their practice. This conversation explores the vital role of music education in schools, emphasising the importance of a well-structured curriculum that fosters progression and inclusivity. The speakers discuss enriching the curriculum with music, building a culture of music within schools, and the significance of collaboration with music hubs and community resources. They share inspiring outcomes from creative music education, highlighting how music can transform students' lives and foster a sense of belonging and joy. Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/podcast. 

To launch Series Two, join us on stage at the Music Mark Conference (recorded live in November 2025). In this live recording, the Music Mark podcast team are joined by Rachel Hawker, Director of Education at Rocksteady Music School, David Rees, Chief Executive of Merton Music Foundation, Bridget Rennie, Executive Director at Mahogony Opera and Caro C from Delia Derbyshire Day to discuss educational excellence at primary school, the transformative impact of music at this level and how they get the best out of the young people they work with.Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/podcast. 

To round off series one, join the Music Mark team as they review 2025 with their personal and professional highlights from the last 12 months.

In this month’s episode, we explore how low-income backgrounds might create or perpetuate barriers for young people to get involved with and pursue music, with a particular focus on instrumental tuition. We’re joined by Jo Yee Cheung from Olympias Music Foundation, Katie Walker from Young Sounds UK, and Chris Guénault from Future Talent to hear how each of their organisations is working to break down these barriers and create more opportunities for young people to access music education.Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/podcast.

Recorded on World Mental Health Day, Rachael Perrin and Alex Theophilus discuss the challenges faced by young people today and how music can serve as an effective tool to support mental health. Together, we explore how educators can ensure they look after their own mental health and why it remains such an important topic to keep discussing.Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/podcast.

What skills can you gain from a Music degree? How can young people best prepare themselves for the application process? And what challenges are higher education institutions facing in the UK music education sector? Join us as we explore all this and more with three guests from university music departments and conservatoires – Hannah Thuraisingam Robbins from the University of Nottingham, Diana Salazar from the Royal College of Music, and James Prosser from BIMM University.Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/podcast.

Join us as we explore why the music education sector has in important part to play in tackling the climate crisis. Our guests, Ruth Roberts, a Senior Leader at Kent Music, Dr Ross Purves, Associate Professor of Music Education at University College London, and Hannah Mears-Young, Programme Manager for the National Youth Folk Ensemble, dive into the barriers that may prevent music educators from making more sustainable choices, and highlight positive changes already happening across the sector.Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/podcast.

In this episode, we’re joined by Yasmine Dankwah, a creative freelancer and previous Wired4Music Associate with Sound Connections, Nick Thorne, Executive Director of Orchestras for All, and Laura Fullwood, their Youth Leadership Coordinator, to explore all things youth voice and youth leadership. We hear how organisations can empower young people and embed youth voice into their structures, and discover the benefits of involving young people in decision-making processes.Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/make-your-mark-notes-on-music-education.

Join us as we explore disability in music education. Alongside our expert guests Ben Sellers, leader of MEHEM UpRising, Kris and Nicci Halpin, the co-leaders of inclusive music project Dyskinetic, and Jess Fisher, a musician, educator and member of the Able Orchestra, we dive into the barriers facing disabled people in accessing a high-quality music education, and in becoming music educators themselves. Find out about the fantastic work happening to make music education more accessible, and explore resources to support your work.Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/make-your-mark-notes-on-music-education.

In this episode, we’re joined by Catrina Lowri, founder of Neuroteachers and Diverse Educators trainer, Clair Mccoll, Music Hub Manager for Octagon Music Hub and Music Mark Trustee, and Danya Rushton, a current student at the Royal College of Music, to explore the impact of neurodiversity on learners and how music educators can do more to create an inclusive and supportive sector.Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/make-your-mark-notes-on-music-education.

Join us as we dive into classroom music teaching and talk about tools for teachers. With Jenetta Hurst, the Creative Educator, James Manwaring from Music Teachers Association, and Abi Marrison, Music Mark’s Schools Manager, we explore the realities of teaching music, some of the changes in the profession, and provide practical advice for teachers or those considering becoming a teacher.Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/make-your-mark-notes-on-music-education.

In this episode, we explore the realities and challenges of pathways into the music industry. We’re joined by Benjamin Turner from Rap Club and The Spit Game, Tom Eagle from Musician’s Union, and Grifton Forbes-Amos, a professional trumpet player. They share their own experiences with the music industry, tell us more about what they do now, and provide advice and insights for those pursuing a career in the music industry.Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/make-your-mark-notes-on-music-education.

In the first episode of Make Your Mark: Notes on music education, the new Music Mark podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Eddie Dobson, Co-Director of Yorkshire Sound Women Network; Kate Rounding, Executive Director at TiME (Technology in Music Education UK); and Xanthe Sparke, Project Co-ordinator at Old Chapel Music Studios. We talked about representation in the music technology space, the challenges facing young women, transgender young people and non-binary young people and how these should be addressed. We also highlighted some fantastic resources for music education organisations to improve their practice in this area, and opportunities that young people interested in music technology can get involved with.Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/make-your-mark-notes-on-music-education.