Primary Music in Conversation Podcast

Season 4 Episode 3: Sponsored by Music Crew https://www.musiccrew.co.uk In this episode, we explore how Rushmore Primary School in Hackney became the winner of the Outstanding School Music Department at the Music and Drama Education Awards 2026. We discuss the school’s ambitious and inclusive approach to music education, where more than half of pupils in Years 4–6 receive instrumental tuition and pupil premium funding removes every financial barrier; covering lessons, instrument maintenance, exam entries, and resources. Music leader Dafydd Williams shares the philosophy underpinning music across the school, from creating meaningful musical experiences through singing, listening, composition, and instrumental learning, to ensuring equity of access for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7 Find us on socials: Instagram: @musicedsolution Facebook: Music Education Solutions Limited LinkedIn: Music Education Solutions

Season 4 Episode 2: Sponsored by Starshine Music https://www.starshine.co.uk/ In this episode, we explore how Ribby with Wrea Primary School in Lancashire has embedded partnership working to provide their pupils with a huge range of musical opportunities both within and beyond the school building - including the chance for KS2 boys to learn singing from a male choral specialist. Music leader Sarah Hargreaves shares the school’s vision for music, exploring both the curriculum and extra-curricular programme, as well as their role as a Lead School for music. Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7 Find us on socials: Instagram: @musicedsolution Facebook: Music Education Solutions Limited LinkedIn: Music Education Solutions

Season 4 Episode 1: Sponsored by Aurora Classroom http://auroraclassroom.co.uk In this episode, we explore how Kanes Hill Primary School has developed a deeply embedded music culture in which music sits at the heart of school life. Serving an inner-city community in Southampton, the school has created a sustainable and inclusive model where instrumental learning is free, valued, and widely accessed — with 70% of pupils continuing instrumental tuition into Years 5 and 6. Music leader Sarah Lloyd shares the school’s long-term journey, the structures that underpin success, and why ensemble music-making is central to sustaining engagement and building confidence. This episode contains a couple of technical gremlins due to wifi connectivity during the recording process. We apologise that the technical quality is occasionally not up to our usual high standards! Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7 Find us on socials: Instagram: @musicedsolution Facebook: Music Education Solutions Limited LinkedIn: Music Education Solutions

Dr Liz Stafford chats to Claire Gower about music at St Margaret's CEVA Primary School in Suffolk, where half the cohort have instrumental lessons, allowing them to create a thriving school orchestra. This episode is sponsored by the National Youth Choir: https://tinyurl.com/5yx2bvjx Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7

Dr Liz Stafford chats to Jennifer Morgan about music at Plymouth Grove Primary School in Manchester, highlighting their innovative approach to the KS2 curriculum which introduces a variety of instruments without losing depth of progress. Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7

Dr Liz Stafford chats to Emma Cottam about music at Lea Community Primary School in Lancashire, where she has implemented a system of musicality starters for each lesson to ensure musical skills progression. This episode is sponsored by Opera Anywhere: https://tinyurl.com/5b56pup6 Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7

Dr Liz Stafford chats to Mike Milner about music at Seaton Junior and Victoria Junior in Cumbria, where he has worked for 35 years to ensure that music is embedded into the life of each school's community and local area. This episode is sponsored by Out of the Ark: https://www.outoftheark.co.uk Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7

Dr Liz Stafford chats to Will Reeves about music at Cropredy C of E Primary School in Oxfordshire, where they have taken an innovative approach to the curriculum rooted in local folk music traditions. This episode is sponsored by DaCapo Primary Music: https://www.dacapoprimarymusic.co.uk/ Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7

Dr Liz Stafford chats to Hilary Marsden about music at Ashdene Primary School in Cheshire. Listen as Hilary reveals how Ashdene Primary builds a vibrant music culture, from creative classroom activities to whole-school performance moments.  Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7

Dr Liz Stafford chats to Rebecca Robertson about music at Meoncross School in Hampshire. Rebecca shares how Meoncross School makes music accessible and engaging for all pupils, with practical ideas for inclusive music-making in an independent school setting. Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7

Dr Liz Stafford chats to Kathryn Dukes about music at Holy Rosary Catholic Voluntary Academy in Burton-on-Trent. In this episode, Kathryn discusses how she weaves music into the heart of school life, and her perspective on the subject leader role which she has taken on as an HLTA.  Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7

Dr Liz Stafford chats to Anna Gower about music at St Andrew's International School in Bangkok. Anna offers a fascinating international perspective on primary music education, comparing global approaches while highlighting what works in her diverse school context. Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7

Dr Liz Stafford chats to Karen Creed about music at Great Linford Primary School in Milton Keynes. Karen discusses how her own training on a rare Primary Music Specialist PGCE has shaped the way she approaches music in her school, and how she has rebuilt provision since the pandemic.  Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7

Dr Liz Stafford chats to Theresa Phillips about music at Sneyd Academy in Stoke-on-Trent. Theresa explores her school's model, which sees her oversee the music curriculum, with specialist teaching provided by the local music hub. Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7

Dr Liz Stafford chats to Annie Udzhiyan about music at Mere Green Primary School in the West Midlands. Annie explores how her school prioritises creativity and community through music, bringing practical ideas to life in everyday teaching, and shares Mere Green's unique curriculum model of specialist foundation subject teaching.  Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7

Dr Liz Stafford chats to Emma Cornhill about music at Fairburn Community Primary School in Yorkshire. Emma talks about nurturing musical confidence in teachers and pupils alike, in her mixed-year group school with fewer than 100 pupils. Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7

Dr Liz Stafford chats to Jonathan Harris about music at The Premier Academy in Milton Keynes. Jonathan Harris discusses developing a rich music offer that supports whole-school improvement, sharing stories of student success and teacher collaboration. Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7

Dr Liz Stafford chats to Janice Rowstron about music at Milby Primary School in Warwickshire. Janice Rowstron highlights how Milby Primary fosters musical progression and creativity through purposeful planning and community engagement. Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7

Dr Liz Stafford chats to David Gray about music at Barton Hill Academy in Devon. David discusses his role as a specialist teacher, and how Barton Hill Academy shapes a diverse and engaging music programme that supports student confidence and creativity. Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7

Dr Liz Stafford chats to Ben Griffiths about music at Bannockburn Primary School in London. Specialist music teacher Ben shares how Bannockburn Primary builds a strong and inclusive music culture, with strategies that support both teacher confidence and pupil participation. Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7

Dr Liz Stafford chats to Helen Byard about music at Edenbridge Primary School in Kent. Helen discusses her journey from classroom generalist to leading and teaching music as a specialist, with insights into curriculum design, staff support, and fostering joy in music for all pupils.