Matt Bellingham

How long have you been working with Musical Futures?

I first became aware of Musical Futures in 2015 while working as a Primary School class teacher and music coordinator. The following year I took a new role as a music specialist at the school so Musical Futures has been a huge part of my whole life as a music teacher! The impact on my teaching and our school has been enormous! Musical Futures inspired us to create a music curriculum which engages children by learning to play the music they enjoy listening to and to provide opportunities to develop skills using a many different instruments. The biggest impact has been our whole school buying into the ethos and that making music benefits everyone. Personally, I love the Musical Futures approach that we learn more when learning together, and the children enjoy watching me struggling to learn new instruments alongside them!

What do you do?

I have recently joined the school as the music co-ordinator and specialist music teacher. This involves delivering whole class lessons to our children in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and overseeing the music curriculum. On any given day you may find children rocking out on electric and bass guitars, playing our samba kit, or learning to play flutes, djembes, keyboards or ukuleles or working with individuals or small groups of children using music to promote health and wellbeing.

What is your background?

I worked in Public Relations before re-training as a Primary School teacher in 2011. After working as  a class teacher for five years I took on a role as a specialist music teacher, all at the school where I first trained. I now teach at the school part time and also work as a Church Pastor. Life is certainly varied! Musically, I first picked up a guitar while I was studying at university and began playing in the church band. I still enjoy playing the guitar but also love singing, percussion, and learning to play new instruments.

Five Words that sum up Musical Futures

Inclusive, positive, practical, relevant, together.

What music are you listening to at the moment?

Coldplay (always Coldplay!), Oasis, Daft Punk, Frank Turner