Skip to content

Building an Inclusive Music Curriculum: Conference 2023

Friday 30 June at The Albert Hall, Nottingham – with Keynote Speaker Professor Nate Holder

Every child should have the opportunity to participate in music education irrespective of their circumstances. Join colleagues from across the East Midlands to discover exciting ways to support the creation of your School Music Development Plan.

The day includes workshops for primary, secondary and SEND settings from leading experts, as well as opportunities to network with school and music hub colleagues from across the region.

Book your place now!

9.30–11.00am Introductions and Keynote

Professor Nate Holder discusses how important it is to interrogate what we mean by words and phrases such as inclusion.
Simon Toyne examines what the new National Plan for Music Education means for schools

11.20am–12.00pm School Music Development Plan 

Delegates will separate into primary and secondary for a session all about developing your School Music Development Plan. 

Jimmy Rotherham (Primary) and Hannah Wallis-Windle (Secondary) share their School Music Development Plan and explain how it makes music happen in their schools

↑ Back to top


12.10–1.15pm Workshop session 1

A choice of seven workshops, some of which are repeated in the next session.

Francis Winston explores Hip Hop culture, the four pillars of Rap and how to deliver them in the classroom
Rebecca Beavis highlights strategies to build your knowledge and confidence to allow you to successfully lead music in your school
Hayley Sanderson looks at rhythm, harmony and composers from around the world, addressing ways of incorporating these into simple arrangements for voice
Gideon Malitskie introduces music therapy principles, demonstrating activities that can be adapted for mainstream, special ed and alternative provision settings
James Smith explores how to use digital audio workstations (DAWs) in compositions to increase the likelihood of them gaining higher marks at GCSE
This fun and practical session with Ben Sellers explores a range of iPad apps that allow pupils to compose music for movement, dance and drama.
Frazer Hinchley discovers how Chrome Music Lab can be used to help children learn different musical features through composition.

↑ Back to top


2.00–3.05pm Workshop session 2

A choice of seven workshops.

Francis Winston discusses how to assess rap performance and composition through its discography
Rebecca Beavis highlights strategies to build your knowledge and confidence to allow you to successfully lead music in your school
Hayley Sanderson looks at rhythm, harmony and composers from around the world, addressing ways of incorporating these into simple arrangements for voice
Elle Williams and Shaun Crate share their experience combining digital and traditional instruments in a special educational school
James Smith and John Barron look at how to use scoring software Dorico to support GCSE composition students
Create rhythms, chord progressions and melodies with Ben Sellers using Garageband in a way that you will be able to replicate with KS2 pupils
Frazer Hinchley discovers how Chrome Music Lab can be used to help children learn different musical features through composition.

↑ Back to top


3.10–4.15pm Closing sessions

The closing sessions will begin with update on the MEHEM UpRising! project from Ben Sellers, followed by a reflective session led by Nate Holder.

The day will end with an exciting interactive session led by musicians from the Robin Hood Youth Orchestra

Young musicians from Nottingham’s Robin Hood Youth Orchestra lead an interactive workshop based on Big 12 by Trombone Shorty

↑ Back to top


All day drop in – Uprising! Sensory and Tech Space

UpRisingAlongside workshops on Attachment and Trauma and Inclusive Ensembles, The Uprising! team will host a unique breakout space for delegates to experience two key elements of inclusive music-making: multi-sensory activities and assistive technology.

Pop in to experience a multi-sensory space designed to engage pupils with a variety of additional needs, or try out one of several pieces of assistive technologies designed to support pupils with physical impairments. This is also a great opportunity to discuss any specific access barriers your pupils are experiencing with one of our team. Everyone welcome.


Book your conference place!

Entry costs £80 + VAT per delegate and schools or individuals will be invoiced by your local Music Hub. Please note, there may be local financial arrangements which reduce this cost, please contact your hub if you are unsure.

Book your place now! Logos_1

About this conference

This conference is for music teachers and education practitioners working in primary, secondary and SEND across the hubs of the East Midlands – Derby and Derbyshire, Leicester and Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Peterborough and Rutland.