MEHEM UpRising
Improving the quality and consistency of inclusive music-making in the East-Midlands and beyond.
UpRising is a Youth Music-funded programme of work that looks at all aspects of music education for young people who are disabled, neurodivergent and/or have additional learning needs.
Since 2020, we have trained over 900 teachers and launched the award-winning UpRising Balloon resource platform. We created the UpRising Inclusive Choir and published curriculum-design guidance for special schools. Our pioneering projects continue to bring together disabled and non-disabled young musicians, and we're excited to have launched our new programme in 2025 – UpRising360.
Discover UpRising
About UpRising360
UpRising360 is a three-year action-research project that focuses on the "how" of inclusive classroom music-making. Funded by Youth Music and the five East Midlands music hubs, the project utilises UpRising’s team of practitioners and school networks. Together, we develop, trial, and share new approaches to inclusive music-making and practitioner development in the following three interlinked strands:
New pedagogies for change
The first four years of UpRising identified three cohorts that are currently underserved by the research and specialist practitioner community:
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Young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).
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Young teenagers at risk of mental ill-health.
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Care-experienced young people.
UpRising360 is developing new nurture-based interventions specific to each of these cohorts. We will share them with schools across the region and undertake action-research to evaluate their efficacy. Partners for this strand include Birmingham City University, Dr Rosie Rushton (University of Birmingham), and Lincolnshire Virtual School.
I have learnt so much about music and working with students with additional needs, and also about myself. Entering every space with an open heart and mind is something I will always carry with me.
Participant – Great Little Orchestra Project 2025
Specialist school music cultures
This strand is all about supporting music hub instrumental tutors to develop the skills and knowledge needed to work in specialist schools. Our previous work suggests that one-off training is not sufficient. Instead, practitioners benefit most from immersive, hands-on experience with established professionals.
We have created a new 30-week, placement-based training programme across 14 East Midlands specialist settings. Instrumental tutors will be supported to develop their own approach to individual and group tuition. This approach aims to be effective for the great diversity of interest, ability, and need found in specialist settings. This work will be supported by mentoring and a strong community of practice across the region.
The best thing was realising I wasn’t on my own. Sharing ideas with others gave me practical strategies I could use straight away.
UpRising Delivery Staff Member
Musicians-in-residence
This strand is all about supporting music hub instrumental tutors to develop the skills and knowledge needed to work in specialist schools. Our previous work suggests that one-off training is not sufficient. Instead, practitioners benefit most from immersive, hands-on experience with established professionals.
We have created a new 30-week, placement-based training programme across 14 East Midlands specialist settings. Instrumental tutors will be supported to develop their own approach to individual and group tuition. This approach aims to be effective for the great diversity of interest, ability, and need found in specialist settings. This work will be supported by mentoring and a strong community of practice across the region.
We’re delighted to be supporting this project, that will bring significant and lasting benefits for young people who would otherwise miss out. Having supported the original 3-year project, we know the learning and impact will be of national significance.
Carol Reid – Programme Director (Youth Music)
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The award-winning UpRising Resource Balloon
A comprehensive resource for everyone making music in inclusive settings.
From working with pupils with complex needs to building inclusive ensembles and special school curricula, these resource distil decades of experience into practical, bitesize advice and guidance.
UpRising 360 Research Blog
There is a strong action-research element to UpRising360. We use practitioner reflection, classroom observations, and data analysis to understand and evidence the how and why of inclusive practice. We are doing this in partnership with three institutions – The UCL Institute of Education, Birmingham City University and The University of Birmingham. With their expertise, we aim to build training and delivery models. These can then be adapted and transferred to other settings across the country.
