The UK Association for Music Education: Music Mark
@musicmarkuk.bsky.social
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Advocating for high-quality music education for all children and young people.
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musicmarkuk.bsky.social
We have some fabulous guest speakers on our latest #MusicMarkPodcast episode! 🙌

@dianasounds.bsky.social gave us a great insight into what studying music at a conservatoire can look like, the skills you gain from your time there, and more 🎶

🔗Listen now: www.musicmark.org.uk/podcast/?_gl...
MAKE YOUR MARK. MUSIC MARK. GUEST SPEAKER. DIANA SALAZAR. Episode 8: Music in Higher Education. SPEAKER PROFILE. Diana is a composer & music educator with 18+ years’ experience in higher music education. She is Director of Programmes at the Royal College of Music, where she leads on learning & teaching strategy and curriculum development. She is a passionate advocate for improving access, equity & belonging in specialist arts education. @rcmlondon. A photo of Diana (white woman, short brown hair) is top left.
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
We will be taking our #MusicMarkPodcast to a live audience for the first time at our #MMConference25! 🎧

Hear about the transformative impact of music at primary level and how the speakers get the best out of the young people they work with 🙌

🔗Learn more: conference.musicmark.org.uk/schedule/202...
#MMCONFERENCE25 SESSION SPOTLIGHT. MAKE YOUR MARK: NOTES ON MUSIC EDUCATION PODCAST LIVE. Our podcast team will delve into educational excellence at primary school, with guests who showcase diverse experiences and perspectives! Photo shows a delegate in a breakout session at the Music Mark Annual Conference 2024.
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
Music Mark is disappointed that the government have withdrawn the provision of a bursary payment for those training to be a music teacher from the 2026/27 academic year.

We will be working to seek clarification from the government as to why 📣

🔗Read more: www.musicmark.org.uk/news/initial...
"We are already in a teacher recruitment and retention crisis, so a decision like this will be felt across the country. The result is likely to be more schools unable to recruit teachers with the skills needed to deliver a music education. This will inevitably result in unequal access for our children and young people to the rich, broad and balanced education they are entitled to." Bridget Whyte, Music Mark CEO.
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
The @openuniversity.bsky.social aimed to identify the specific needs of primary music education in England from key stakeholders’ perspectives, as well as exploring how collaboration among organisations could enhance music ed in primary schools 💡

🔗Read more: www.musicmark.org.uk/resources/ex...
The Open University, in partnership with Music Mark and the Orchestra of the 
Age of Enlightenment, have conducted research Exploring England’s Primary Music Education Needs, with insights from schools’ senior leadership, music curriculum leaders, generalist teachers, and music hubs. Read the article to learn more! An illustration of a speakerphone is bottom left.
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
This #WorldMentalHealthDay is a reminder to pause & take care of yourself 🧠

We have a range of music & wellbeing resources on our website, as well as our FAA Level 1 Award in Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health with @soundcastleteam.bsky.social!

🔗See more: www.musicmark.org.uk/events/faa-l...
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY. There are many practical ways to support both pupils and staff with their mental health in music education settings. Take a look at our Mental Health First Aid Training with Soundcastle to learn more!
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
Bridget shares what was discussed at the recent Labour Party Conference 💼

This included conversations about the Curriculum and Assessment Review, the National Centre, inspiring stories across the sector, and challenges in equitable provision 📣

🔗Read more: www.musicmark.org.uk/news/bridget...
"We talked about equity and the challenges that the sector faces in providing musical learning to all. We noted that a focus on the creative industries and their value to the UK’s economy is dependent on a pipeline which doesn’t fracture because of a lack of funding and access." Bridget Whyte, Music Mark CEO.
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
Learn how to make & teach electronic music with @deliaderbyshireday.bsky.social, with the iconic original Doctor Who theme as a starting point 🎶

Build confidence on GarageBand for a creative approach to composition to bring to your classroom 🥳

🔗See more: conference.musicmark.org.uk/schedule/202...
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
Here are just a few #MMofRecognition benefits! 🥳

Want to be presented with the Music Mark of Recognition but haven't been recognised by your local music service? Make sure you're in communication with them to get the process started ⚠️

🔗Find out more: www.musicmark.org.uk/join/the-mus...
Music Mark of Recognition. What are the benefits for schools? SWIPE TO FIND OUT. An illustration of colouring pencils is across the bottom of the image. 1. Your school will be recognised and celebrated for your commitment to music education - if you opt to be visible on the directory, others can see that you have a great music education offer too! 2. You will receive a certificate & logo to proudly display in your school and online, to let others know that you are committed to music education. The Music Mark of Recognition logo is bottom right. 3. You will be able to access our resources and a discounted membership! MUSIC MARK of recognition FOR SCHOOLS 2025 - 2026. An illustration of a pen to paper is bottom and centre.
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
This #MMConference25 session will explore impact & progression frameworks for a professional development programme for classroom teachers 💡

Hear how programmes in Croydon demonstrated value through measuring impact on vulnerable children 📣

🔗Learn more: conference.musicmark.org.uk/schedule/202...
#MMCONFERENCE25 SESSION SPOTLIGHT. ARTS AND MUSIC EDUCATION: PROVING IT SHOULD BE A CORE SUBJECT. Explore research evidence & frameworks which demonstrate why arts and music education should be part of the core curriculum. A photo of a primary school choir performing at the Music Mark Annual Conference 2024 features.
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
Check out our brilliant CEO Bridget in action at the Labour Party Conference earlier this week! 🌟

Bridget moderated a roundtable exploring Creative Skills for the Future Economy, and took part in a panel discussion: Creative Learners, Future Leaders 📣

Thanks @creativeuk.bsky.social! 🤩
Music Mark CEO Bridget speaking in a panel discussion at the Labour Party Conference 2025. Open Roundtable - Building Tomorrow' Workforce: Creative Skills for the Future Economy. 11 speakers are on stage at the Labour Party Conference 2025. Music Mark CEO Bridget speaking in a panel discussion at the Labour Party Conference 2025.
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
📣 Calling all schools and teachers - these free events are for you! 📣

Whether you're looking for some fresh new ideas for the classroom, some clarity around licensing legislation, or a chance to connect with other teachers, there's lots on offer 🙌

🔗Browse our events: buff.ly/VAgTSqf
Coming up for schools in October. We have so much on offer in our training & events programme for schools and teachers this month. Connect with colleagues across the nation and learn more about licensing, digital tools, and more! SWIPE TO LEARN MORE. An illustration of colouring pencils is across the bottom of the image. T-Time: Musical Opportunities and Provision. 14th Oct 2025: 4 - 5pm. Interactive sessions exclusively for classroom teachers to talk about their current teaching practice. This term’s theme will draw together teaching colleagues from all key stages to talk about the extra curricular provision of music. REGISTER NOW. MuseClass Primary Webinar. Affordable music for every classroom. 15th Oct 2025: 4 - 5pm. Explore practical, curriculum-aligned strategies to enhance creativity, increase engagement, and build confidence for both non-specialist and specialist music teachers. JOIN NOW. Music Licensing in Education with PMLL, PRS and CCLI. 16th Oct 2025: 4 - 5pm. Experts from leading Music Licensing organisations will help you navigate the world of Music Licensing for your school, as they answer your questions on licensing for recorded, written and performed music. BOOK NOW.
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
We can't wait for this #MMConference25 breakout session! 🥳

You will take away a replicable model for delivering high-quality music careers education, strategies for building partnerships with the wider music industry, and more! 🙌

🔗Find out more: conference.musicmark.org.uk/schedule/202...
#MMCONFERENCE25. SESSION SPOTLIGHT. CAREER ROUTES: PREPARING YOUNG PEOPLE FOR THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. Discover how Leicester is transforming music careers education! Learn how they united over 200 students, artists & industry professionals. Background photo shows young people playing musical instruments.
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
We have videos from last year's Annual Conference on our YouTube channel, so you can still learn if you missed out! 📽️

Here is a short clip from the MishMash Productions session about their Musicians in Residence programme, with some live performance too! 🙌

🔗Watch now: youtu.be/g3mvOrxm6Zo?...
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
Music Mark CEO Bridget is at the Labour Party Conference! 💼

Today Bridget is moderating a Roundtable about Creative Skills for the Future Economy. Tomorrow, find her speaking on a panel - Creative Learners, Future Leaders: A Curriculum for Growth! 📣

🔗Read more: www.musicmark.org.uk/news/creativ...
I'M AT THE CULTURAL & CREATIVE INDUSTRIES PAVILION. SUNDAY 28TH SEPT - TUESDAY 30 SEPT 2025. AUDITORIUM 1B THE ACC LIVERPOOL. Bridget Whyte, CEO, The UK Association for Music Education - Music Mark. A black and white photo of Bridget features.
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
We're looking forward to this session at our #MMConference25! 🙌

@djschooluk.bsky.social gives us a sneak peek into just one of the ways that DJing can be used to engage pupils with the fundamentals of music - in this case pulse & tempo! 🎶

🔗Find out more: conference.musicmark.org.uk/schedule/202...
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
Music Mark Member SoMi Academy share their white paper, which highlights the importance of soft skills in education and the workplace 📝

It argues that schools must prioritise the development of soft skills from the earliest years 📣

🔗Read more: www.musicmark.org.uk/news/new-whi...
"The evidence is clear: soft skills are not optional extras. They are the foundation for future success in education, work, and life. Group music making is one of the most powerful ways to nurture these skills from the earliest years, yet access remains patchy. This white paper is a call to action for schools and policymakers to rethink the role of music in the curriculum." Joe Wilson, Human & Partnerships Director at SoMi Academy.
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
We spoke to Laura Hamer about her free course with @openuniversity.bsky.social 🎶

It includes interviews with experts in the field championing the music of women composers, advocating for greater gender equity within the classical music industry 📣

🔗Read more: www.musicmark.org.uk/news/researc...
“When considering why the representation of works by women composers within classical music performance is so low, people often point to the barriers to programming more of their works, such as lack of knowledge of the repertoire, performance editions of their works not being available, and perceptions about audiences not being interested in hearing this music.” Laura Hamer, Senior Lecturer in Music at The Open University. Research Shorts.
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
You have 18 different breakout sessions to choose from at our #MMConference25 - here is just one of them! 🥳

If you are looking to learn from music education practices with and for looked after children, this is the session for you 📣

🔗Learn more: conference.musicmark.org.uk/schedule/202...
SESSION SPOTLIGHT. AMBITION AND QUALITY FOR LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN. Explore how East Riding Music Service and the Virtual School provide ambitious, high-quality music education for looked after children through innovative funding, flexible curriculum design, and impact evaluation. #MMCONFERENCE25. Photo shows a woman speaking at the podium at the Music Mark Annual Conference 2024.
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
This @openuniversity.bsky.social course offers practical advice covering how to curate diverse programmes, seeking funding, building audience engagement, and getting performers on board 📣

It covers both historical & contemporary women composers! 🎶

🔗Take a look: www.musicmark.org.uk/resources/wo...
RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT. Women Transforming Classical Music. A free online course supporting performers and classical music ensembles and organisations to diversify their repertoire by programming more music by women composers. Browse our 'Further Education' category on our resources page for more free courses! The Open University logo is centre right.
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
Alex & Beth share what you can expect from their #MMConference25 session ‘Musical Connections: Nurturing a music culture in specialist autism provision' 📣

Read on for some valuable tips on adapting music-making for Autism Resource Bases! 💡

🔗Read here: www.musicmark.org.uk/news/how-to-...
A child holding drumsticks, smiling at a music practitioner who is holding a guitar. From an 8-week pilot project funded by Youth Music, for Live Music Now South West. Photographed by Mark Cox. A classroom of young children playing musical instruments, and a music practitioner playing the guitar. From an 8-week pilot project funded by Youth Music, for Live Music Now South West. Photographed by Mark Cox.
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On Monday we were in parliament with over 40 Music Hub Leaders & MPs/Peers from their area! 🙌

Music Mark’s Chair Peter Smalley spoke about the current challenges for Music Services and the wider Music Hub Networks, and Bridget closed the speeches 📣

🔗Read more: www.musicmark.org.uk/news/connect...
Music Mark Chair Peter Smalley talking at an event in parliament. He is surrounded by young musicians holding their string instruments.
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
Here is just one session (of many) that we are looking forward to at our #MMConference25! 🙌

Delegates will leave with actionable strategies for embedding equity into curriculum design, recruitment, pedagogy, and institutional policy 📣

🔗Find out more: conference.musicmark.org.uk/schedule/202...
#MMCONFERENCE25. SESSION SPOTLIGHT. AMBITION FOR WHOM? 3 STRATEGIES FOR REFRAMING QUALITY THROUGH EQUITY. This panel hosted by Music Education Council will explore whether the sector is truly ambitious about equity or merely inclusive on the surface. Photo shows delegates chatting at the Music Mark Annual Conference 2024.
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
Looking for some lesson planning inspiration? Check this out from Collins! 🌟

The resource has a wealth of activities specially designed for the EYFS framework, a topic-based SEND scheme, and over 60 teacher training videos in the Knowledge Bank 💡

🔗Take a look: www.musicmark.org.uk/resources/mu...
RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT. Music Express. A digital resource from Collins Music for schools across the UK who want a comprehensive and engaging music scheme that’s easy to use for non-specialist and specialist music teachers. Browse our 'Primary Education' category on our resources page for more! The Music Express logo is top right.
musicmarkuk.bsky.social
Our latest blog explains our redeveloped offer for schools 💡

Understand what the offer is, why we have changed it, and how Music Mark supports schools - if you work in a school, learn how you can get the Music Mark of Recognition! 👀

🔗Read more: www.musicmark.org.uk/news/introdu...
Abi Marrison, Schools Manager. "The Music Mark team are proud of what The Music Mark of Recognition signifies; a true exchange of aspiration, support and improvement. It provides an opportunity to recognise the hard work going on behind the scenes at a school with the core motivation being the musical lives of the students and the quality of their music education." A photo of Abi (white woman, shoulder length blonde hair, wearing a pink cardigan) is on the right. Underneath reads 'music should be at the heart of every school'. The Music Mark of Recognition for schools logo is top right.