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In Episode 127, Patrick chats to the Aurora Orchestra’s Creative Director, Jane Mitchell, about their free resources as part of Aurora Classroom, covering Key Stages 1–5. Plus, the launch of their Life-Changing Music Campaign, aiming to raise £500,000 across its 20th anniversary season, to support their work nationwide (01:09).

Plus, Executive Director of Music at the David Ross Education Trust (DRET), Simon Toyne, joins Patrick to take a look at the government’s newly-published Curriculum and Assessment Review (17:08).

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects 

Aurora Classroom: https://auroraclassroom.co.uk

Life-Changing Music Campaign: https://www.auroraorchestra.com/life-changing-music-campaign/

Debates in Music Teaching Book Launch: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdH_9zKv8Bw8XeS1X110_ZcwxdiaMUaG9bdUk32hF9Wr9uohw/viewform

Curriculum and Assessment Review: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/690b96bbc22e4ed8b051854d/Curriculum_and_Assessment_Review_final_report_-_Building_a_world-class_curriculum_for_all.pdf

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In Episode 126, Patrick chats to Mark Aitchison about Year 8 Music, with potential pitfalls and suggestions, incorporating research from Mark’s recently published paper, ‘A study into musician identity in year 8 students in England’. 

Plus, The National Children’s Choir of Great Britain’s musical director, Dan Ludford-Thomas, discusses singing amongst young people, and the excellent work that the choir does, with details of forthcoming auditions.

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects 

https://tinyurl.com/MarkAYear8

https://www.nccgb.com

https://www.nccgb.com/people/conductors/

https://www.nccgb.com/joining-us/

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In Episode 125, Patrick meets Jazz pianist, educator, author and Instagram sensation Quentin Walston, to discuss accessible ways into Jazz for non-specialist teachers, from his new book, ‘How to Teach Jazz and Improvisation’ (0:52).

Head of Growth and Operations at the MTA, Caroline Robinson introduces many of the speakers for the 2026 MTA conference, as tickets go on sale (24:15).

And Dr Delphine Mordey from Cambridge Univeristy highlights two forthcoming open days designed to give our current Year 12s a taster of what studying Music at Cambridge is like (30:51).

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects 

https://thisisjazz.com/

https://www.instagram.com/quentinwalston

https://www.musicteachers.org/events/

https://tinyurl.com/CamUniMasterClass

https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/events/music-subject-masterclass

https://www.girton.cam.ac.uk/undergraduates/widening-participation-outreach/upcoming-outreach-events

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In Episode 124, Patrick chats to Ed Watkins about his recent article, shining a light on disproportionately low grades for otherwise high-achieving music students at A Level (1:02).

Laura Bendy and Julian Whittaker introduce the new Members’ Area of the MTA website, and the first webinar of the academic year (13:38); 

And Grammy- and Brit-nominated singer-songwriter RuthAnne discusses the song-writing process, including a focus on the psychology of song-writing, and tips to overcome writer’s block, as featured in her book “It’s Not Just A Song” (19:37).

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects 

https://elementalmusic.app/blog/music-a-level-grading

https://www.musicteachers.org/events/online-events/

https://www.fabermusic.com/shop/its-not-just-a-song-p472066

https://www.instagram.com/thisisruthanne/?hl=en

https://www.redlightmanagement.com/artists/ruth-anne/

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In Episode 123, Patrick chats to Dr Kirsty Devaney and Dr Ed McKeon about the project Time Loops, run by the Science Museum Group, using old music technology in new and innovative ways, with Key Stage 3 resources to bring it into the classroom (0:57).

Alys Wilding introduces a new ECT Secondary Music Network, being set up by Birmingham City University, to support ECTs nationwide (17:13).

And Elliot Broadbent-Jones and David Kirtlan give an overview of the range of resources and support provided by Albion Computers, including an iPad Student Band (27:33).

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects 

TIME LOOPS

https://blog.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/time-loops/

https://www.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/projects/time-loops

Time Loops KS3-4 Resources: https://sciencemuseumgroup.iro.bl.uk/uv/uv.html#?manifest=https://sciencemuseumgroup.iro.bl.uk/concern/generic_works/4567c9bc-e049-46ca-a7e4-228cce8b2c47/manifest&config=https://sciencemuseumgroup.iro.bl.uk/uv/uv-config.json

ECT SECONDARY MUSIC NETWORK

ECTMusic@bcu.ac.uk

ALBION COMPUTERS

https://www.albion.co.uk

e.broadbent-jones@albion.co.uk

http://elsiumeducation.com/david-kirtlan/

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In Episode 122, Patrick meets Dr Elizabeth Stafford and Dan Francis, to talk about their new book, 'The Secondary Music Leader's Handbook' (0:48).

Classic FM presenter Ritula Shah introduces the Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year Awards (deadline for entries is 20th July 2025!) (15:54).

And Jazz musician, author and educator Buster Birch chats about methods of teaching improvisation, why he doesn't use lead sheets, and his incredible online resource, 'Learn 2 Play Jazz' (24:40).

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects 

https://collins.co.uk/products/9780008759834

classicfm.com/music-teacher-of-the-year-2025

https://www.ritulashah.com/

https://www.learn2playjazz.com/

https://www.busterbirch.co.uk/

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In Episode 121, Patrick meets Leanna O’Brien, from the Soaring Scarves Academy in California, who teaches music using movement and scarves, to help students really internalise great works by Tchaikovsky and Grieg, amongst others (0:43)

We also meet the new MTA President, James Manwaring, to find out about him as a musician and teacher, and to see what he hopes to achieve in his tenure as MTA President (19:56). 

And outgoing MTA President Catherine Barker has a message for all music teachers (35:40).

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

https://soaringscarvesacademy.com

https://manwaringmusic.blog/about-me/

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects 

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2025 MTA CONFERENCE SPECIAL

In Episode 120, Patrick visits the 2025 MTA Conference, held at Trinity Academy, Bristol. 

He meets ABRSM Chief Examiner and Jazz trumpeter Mark Armstrong, to find out more about Mark’s CPD session, ‘Jazz in the Classroom’ (04:31), and chats to Founder and President of MusicFirst, Dr Jim Frankel, about his Key Note speech, ‘The Impact of AI on Music Making and Learning’ (22:12).

Plus, Patrick chats to various exhibitors at the Trade Fair, including representatives from Aspire Organs, Sing Up!, Coach House Pianos, Trinity College London, and Viscount Organs.

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

Mark Armstrong: https://www.rcm.ac.uk/research/people/details/?id=02730

Dr Jim Frankel: https://www.musictechhelper.com/about-me

www.aspireorgans.co.uk

www.singup.org

www.coachhousepianos.co.uk

www.trinitycollege.com

https://viscountorgans.net

https://www.musicteachers.org/events/mta-conference-2025/

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects 

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2025 MTA CONFERENCE PREVIEW 

In Episode 119, Patrick chats to Liz Dunbar and Asha Bishop about the crucial balancing of creativity and academic rigour at Key Stage 3 (1:08).

And composer, arranger, singer, conductor and jazz musician Alexander L’Estrange discusses ways to get your choir to swing (15:46)!

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

https://musicdepartmentresources.com

https://www.alexanderlestrange.com

https://www.musicteachers.org/events/mta-conference-2025/

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects 

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In Episode 118, Patrick chats to composer Rilla Paterson about her compositions for young voices, designed to help children with sight-reading; plus the importance of notation.

Julian Whittaker introduces the MTA’s free ‘Mock Interview’ service, for members applying for a new job, to have a practice interview with an experienced Head of Music.

Plus, Jack Laidlaw, James Tuck, and Dustin Ragland explain the range of products and services provided by Ableton, including Live, Push, and Move. 

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

http://rillapaterson.com

https://childofthefuture.com

https://www.musicteachers.org

https://www.ableton.com

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects 

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In Episode 117, Patrick chats to Dr Jonathan Savage about significant changes in the world of Music Education, the relationship of Music Hubs with schools, and new BBC Bitesize resources.

And the MTA’s Head of Growth and Operations, Caroline Robinson introduces the 2025 MTA conference, including the CPD sessions, the mentoring and training, the keynote speakers, and details of tickets.

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

https://www.ucanplay.org.uk/

https://tinyurl.com/JonathanSavage

https://www.musicteachers.org/events/mta-conference-2025/

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects 

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In Episode 116, Patrick is joined by Maria Thomas from The Music Workshop Company, to find out about their range of schools workshops, including historical music, and a very interesting workshop using cutlery!

Editor of Gramophone Magazine, Martin Cullingford, tells Patrick all about the Survey ‘Growing Musicians, Shaping Lives’, aiming to find out about music teachers’ day-to-day lives in the profession.

And Mark Aitchison tells Patrick all about the European Day of Music in Schools, which enables teachers to watch videos of music-making from schools all over Europe.

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

https://www.music-workshop.co.uk

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8151878/Growing-Musicians-2025-survey

https://eas-music.org/eudamus/

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~ 2025 MUSC & DRAMA EXPO SPECIAL ~

In Episode 115, Patrick visits the 2025 Music & Drama Expo, to attend CDP sessions, and chat to exhibitors about new Music Education products. 

Ifeanyichukwu Ezinmadu introduces SymphoMe, which uses AI to help give students detailed feedback on their performances in between lessons. (1:08)

Award-winning Jazz pianist, composer and educator Nikki Yeoh shares some of her steps to teaching improvisation, and to help students (and teachers!) overcome the fear! (5:28)

Dr June Fileti, MD of the International School of Musicians, chats about their new approach to performance assessment, allowing students to choose their own repertoire. (16:40)

Rachel Hawker, Director of Education at Rocksteady Music School, chats about her CPD session, ‘The Power of Games to Supercharge Children’s Musicality’. (25:21)

And, Heart FM presenter Simon Beale chats about the Music & Drama Education Awards, which he hosted, and about his love for 80s music. (36:17)

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

https://symphome.com

https://www.gsmd.ac.uk/staff/nikki-yeoh

https://www.internationalschoolofmusicians.org

https://www.rocksteadymusicschool.com

https://www.heart.co.uk/radio/shows-presenters/simon-beale/

http://musicanddramaeducationexpo.co.uk

https://musicdramaedawards.com/MDEA2025/en/page/home-page

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects 

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In Episode 114, Patrick chats to Music Teacher Dylan McCaig about being a recent ECT, and about Early Music both within the curriculum, and as part of co-curricular activities.

MTA Operations Manager Laura Bendy shares details of her new role at the MTA, as well as an important announcement.

And looking towards the Music and Drama Education Expo, Patrick meets Thomas Gregory, to find out why we all need more chaos in our classrooms!

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

www.instagram.com/dylanmccaigmusic
https://www.musicteachers.org/events/mta-conference-2025/
http://thomasgregory.co.uk
http://musicanddramaeducationexpo.co.uk

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects 

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In Episode 113, Patrick catches up with ‘That Music Improv Teacher’, Mike Wright, to find out about Mike’s on-going work to promote improvisation as a standard part of music teaching (01:01).

Professor Derek Aviss OBE discusses the psychology of performance, including overriding the brain’s natural reaction to the fear and stress of performance, with details of a forthcoming webinar from the Royal Society of Musicians (20:28).

And MTA President Catherine Barker explains the huge amount of work that the MTA does for music educators everywhere, including much behind the scenes (31:33).

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

https://mwrightmusic-education.com
https://www.rsmgb.org/whats-on/healthy-teachers
http://www.musicteachers.org

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects #thatmusicimprovteacher

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In Episode 112, Patrick meets singer, teacher, and vocal health expert, Dr Jenevora Williams, to discuss ways to recognise, manage, and prevent any issues with students’ – or teachers’ – vocal health (0:34).

Plus, conductor Nic Chalmers introduces ways of engaging young people with opera, including some of his work with the Royal Opera House, and chats about his marathon Christmas Carolling at the Royal Albert Hall with the National Youth Choir (12:11).

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

https://www.nicholaschalmers.com
https://jenevorawilliams.com
https://linktr.ee/jenevorawilliams
https://www.musicanddramaeducationexpo.co.uk/speakers/jenevora-williams

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects

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In Episode 111, Patrick chats to Alex Aitken about GCSE and A Level composition and set works, including ways to teach them, their place within a course, and the barriers faced by teachers and students (00:53).

Editor of Music Teacher magazine, Phil Croydon introduces the forthcoming Music & Drama Education Expo and Awards, to be held in January 2025 (17:19).

And singer, song-writer and New England fiddler Lissa Schneckenburger discusses the importance of aural awareness, ways to teach it, and her online course ‘Learning By Ear’ (29:06).

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

https://alexaitken.co.uk
https://masteringalevelmusic.co.uk
https://www.musicanddramaeducationexpo.co.uk
https://musicdramaedawards.com
https://lissafiddle.com

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects

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In Episode 110, Patrick chats to Aileen Douthwaite from the Music Publishers’ Association, about the Every Copy Counts campaign, highlighting the legality of photocopying music in copyright, and logging it to help publishers, authors and composers (00:45).

Alex Parsons and Liz Dunbar offer some Composition Hacks for students struggling to get going with a new piece, in extracts from their recent MTA webinar (11:35).

And choral conductor and singer Edward Caswell chats to Patrick about rounds and canons, and SingCircle, a new book containing 111 of these perfect miniatures, which he has co-authored. He explains the book’s origins, how to teach rounds and canons effectively, and just why they are perfect for students of all ages and experience (19:59).

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

https://everycopycounts.co.uk
https://mpaonline.org.uk
https://www.musicteachers.org/online-events/
oxford.ly/3AAnnvt

 #CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects

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In Episode 109, Patrick chats to BBC Radio 3 presenter Linton Stephens about the BBC’s new Ten Pieces, each of which has been written by a female composer (0:55).

Alex Parsons introduces a new series of webinars from the MTA, providing crucial CPD for teachers (09:06).

And Si Tew from Digit Learning explains the range of products they offer, including their joystick-driven instrument, CMPSR, their notation system Arrow Notes, plus Global Sound Culture (13:38).

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ten-pieces
https://www.musicteachers.org/online-events/
https://digitlearning.co.uk

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects

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In Episode 108, Patrick chats to Michelle Robinson from Loughborough University about the special relationship between student and teacher in instrumental and vocal lessons, also looking at ways to develop it (0:54).

And Gary Spruce discusses the complexities of instrumental music teaching, as featured in his new book 'Instrumental Music Teaching: Perspectives and Challenges', the uniqueness of whole class instrumental tuition, and teacher retention (11:20).

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.


Survey: https://tinyurl.com/MTMRQSurvey

Instrumental Music Teaching: Perspectives and Challenges: https://tinyurl.com/GarySpruce

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects

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In episode 107, Patrick meets the Winner of Visiting Music Teacher 2024 (Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year Awards 2024) Helen Minshall, to chat about her work, teaching brass instruments across Lancashire (1:08).

Plus, Dr Anthony Anderson discusses curriculum design, looking at differences in how curricula are perceived by music teachers and SLTs (16:46).

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

https://www.bbe.org.uk/brass-foundations
https://www.facebook.com/Minshallmusicltd
https://musicteacherconference.com/curriculummusic2024/en/page/home
https://www.bcu.ac.uk/health-education-and-life-sciences/staff/education-and-teacher-training/anthony-anderson

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects

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In Episode 106, Patrick chats to recorder player Ali Walker about Sing Up's new complete scheme of learning for KS1 and KS2 recorder, 'Play Recorder' (0:52).

And Dr George Waddell, from the Royal College of Music, discusses assessment in music, focusing on performance science, preparation for a performance assessment, and external factors that can affect assessors' opinions (18:20).

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

https://www.singup.org/music/play-recorder
https://performancescience.ac.uk/team/waddell/

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In Episode 105, Patrick finds out all about the new AI-driven assessment app, Assessify, created by Rob Reich-Storer from Rhythmstix (0:54).

Rachel Topham from Faber Music chats about the new Faber Music Teachers’ Community, designed to help bring instrumental/vocal teachers and the publisher closer together (12:20).

And Maddy Barnes and Peter Tamblyn talk about the great education work done by English Touring Opera (25:27).

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

Assessify: http://rhythmstix.co.uk/assessify/
Faber: https://www.facebook.com/share/VrWH5myoZX3PRR6D/
English Touring Opera: https://englishtouringopera.org.uk/our-work/learning-participation

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects

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In Episode 104, Patrick chats to Music Education Consultant (and former National Lead for Music for Ofsted), Mark Phillips, about the start of Year 7, including the value (or lack of value) of baseline tests, questionnaires, and tests of aural perception, such as the Bentley Test.

Plus, MTA President Catherine Barker reflects on the 2023–24 academic year, and looks to the future for Music Education.

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

Mark Phillips: https://x.com/englishcadence
Music Mark article: https://tinyurl.com/MarkPhillipsArticle

#CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects

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In Episode 103, Patrick chats to Jane Mitchell about the Aurora Orchestra’s latest resource, Discover Beethoven, which uses the Sixth Symphony as a way into orchestral music for young musicians.

Hattie Fisk, co-chair of the Music and Drama Education Awards judging panel, gives an overview of the 2025 Awards, and encourages everyone to get voting.

And Dr Bushra El-Turk and Dr Joel Bell introduce The Alternative Conservatoire, a new course for young musicians, post-18.

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns.

https://auroraclassroom.co.uk
https://musicdramaedawards.com
https://www.fabermusic.com/freebooksforteachers
https://thealternativeconservatoire.org

 #CanDoMusic #GetPlaying #SaveOurSubjects

© Music Teachers' Association
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