Cultivating Creativity through Music
Conference 2025 Programme
Friday 27 June at The Albert Hall, Nottingham
Welcome to the MEHEM Conference for Music Education – a day to explore fresh ideas, inclusive practice and creative approaches to music in schools.
9.00am – Registration and exhibition
Register at the welcome desk and take a look at the the latest from music education suppliers and providers in our hall of exhibitors.
Where: Foyer and Osborne Suite
9.30am Welcome, opening sessions and keynote
It is our great pleasure to welcome you to Cultivating Creativity through Music — a conference dedicated to exploring the powerful role of music in inspiring imagination, innovation, and expression.
Where: Great Hall
Keynote: Do we teach out Creative Art Creatively?
The keynote adress is delivered by YolanDa Brown OBE – a double MOBO Award-winning saxophonist, broadcaster, and philanthropist, renowned for her fusion of reggae, jazz, and soul. She has collaborated with artists like The Temptations and Jools Holland, and was awarded an OBE in 2023 for services to music, education, and broadcasting.
National update
Gary Griffiths from Music Mark will deliver a update on national developments in Music Education. Music Mark is the UK’s national subject association for music education, supporting and advocating for high-quality music learning in schools through training, resources, and policy influence.
10.30am – Break and exhibition
Help yourself to refreshments and take a look at the the latest from music education suppliers and providers in our hall of exhibitors.
Where: Foyer and Osborne Suite
11.00am Workshop selection 1
Delegates are welcome to choose from the following sessions:
Where: Great Hall
Courageous Creativity in KS2 – Supporting a diverse and inclusive approach to curriculum design
Where:
Great Hall
|
KS2
This session focuses on fostering diversity and inclusion within the music curriculum, helping educators create an environment where every student feels valued. Participants will explore practical strategies for integrating culturally responsive teaching and broadening their musical repertoire to reflect the diverse backgrounds of their students.
An inclusive curriculum not only enhances engagement but also cultivates creativity and a strong sense of belonging. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas and tools to inspire students and enrich their teaching.
Cultivate creativity through inclusivity:
Integrate diverse musical influences – Learn how to expand your repertoire to reflect the richness of your students' backgrounds.
Foster student engagement – Discover how an inclusive approach enhances creativity and connection to the curriculum.
Inspire with practical tools – Walk away with immediate ideas and resources to inspire and support all learners.
Inclusive Progression Routes into the Music Industry
Where:
Osborne Lounge
|
KS3-5 & SEND
In this workshop, Inspire Youth Arts will share their approaches to engaging young people in inclusive music programs that support progression into the music industry. Focused on accessible pathways, the session will demonstrate how young people in mainstream education, Special Schools, and SEND settings can develop their musical abilities.
Through the Able Orchestra project, which supports individuals who are physically and/or learning disabled and/or neurodivergent, delegates will learn about effective progression routes into music making.
The workshop will also highlight success stories from the Inspire Youth Arts Singer Songwriter Academy and other initiatives, with contributions from the Able Orchestra creative team and young leaders who will share their firsthand experiences.
Create inclusive pathways into the music industry:
Explore inclusive music programs – Discover how to engage young people in diverse educational settings.
Learn from real success stories – Hear from young people and artists about the impact of inclusive music projects.
Support progression into the industry – Gain insights into how to help students advance within music and creative industries.
Measuring Musicality – Creative approaches to assessment in Primary Music
Where:
Syndicate 1
|
KS1-2 & SEND
A thriving primary music curriculum is built on creative and practical activities, but assessing progress in such a dynamic subject can be challenging. This workshop explores a range of subtle yet effective assessment strategies to help educators monitor and support musical growth across the primary key stages.
Through practical examples, we will identify key indicators of progress in listening, responding, singing, playing, and composing, as well as measuring success in performance. You'll gain valuable insights into how assessment can inform and enhance future teaching and learning in your school.
Make assessment work for you:
Assess musical progress effectively – Learn creative strategies to monitor and measure student development across all musical strands.
Identify key musical indicators – Understand what to look for and listen for in different aspects of musical learning.
Use assessment to inform teaching – Discover how assessment findings can shape and improve future planning and delivery.
Exhibitors
Register at the welcome desk and take a look at the the latest from music education suppliers and providers in our hall of exhibitors.
Where: Foyer and Osborne Suite
Charanga
Charanga is a UK-based curriculum specialist providing a comprehensive digital music education platform. Their flagship program, Musical School, offers over 25,000 resources, including lesson plans, songs, and CPD materials, designed to support both specialist and non-specialist teachers. The platform is widely used in schools to deliver high-quality music education.
ABRSM
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) is a leading UK exam board offering graded assessments for instrumental and vocal performance, including singing, jazz, and musical theatre. They also provide music theory exams and digital assessments, serving over 650,000 candidates annually across 93 countries.
The Ear Academy
The Ear Academy offers CPD-accredited courses, lesson plans, and resources to enhance music teaching. Their platform provides original music teaching courses, lesson plans, and other resources to equip teachers with engaging materials, regardless of their musical experience.
Normans
Normans is a UK-based supplier of musical instruments and accessories, catering to music education needs. They offer a wide range of products, including guitars, ukuleles, keyboards, brass, woodwind, violins, and percussion instruments, serving schools, music hubs, and individual musicians.
D'Addario UK
D'Addario UK is a renowned manufacturer of musical accessories, known for their high-quality strings and accessories for various instruments. Their product range includes cables, capos, tuners, guitar care kits, and more, designed to enhance the playing experience for musicians.
pBone
pBone is an innovative company specializing in sustainable and carbon-neutral musical instruments. They focus on producing instruments that are easy to repair and service, supporting music hubs in achieving environmental and financial sustainability through responsible procurement practices.
Printed Music Licensing
Printed Music Licensing Ltd (PMLL) represents the rights of music publishers and issues licenses permitting the reproduction of printed music in education and other sectors. Their services allow for the photocopying and arranging of sheet music, ensuring compliance with copyright laws.
Diversitybuds
Diversitybuds provides online, CPD-accredited courses and resources focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in music education. Their programs aim to upskill teachers, parents, and carers, fostering inclusive learning environments through music.
Music Teachers Association
The Music Teachers Association (MTA) is a UK-based professional association supporting music educators. They offer resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy to enhance the teaching and learning of music across various educational settings.
Harper Collins
Harper Collins is a global publishing company that produces a wide range of educational materials, including books and resources for music education. Their publications support teachers and learners in developing musical skills and knowledge.
Get Set 4 Education
Get Set 4 Education is a provider of CPD-accredited courses, lesson plans, and resources aimed at enhancing teaching practices. Their materials are designed to support educators in delivering engaging and effective lessons across various subjects, including music.
Open Up Music
Open Up Music is an organization dedicated to making music education accessible to all. They focus on creating inclusive music programs and resources that cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to engage with music.