Stuart Shepherd

How long have you been working with Musical Futures?

I was first involved with Musical Futures back in 2006 when I was completing my teacher training in Manchester. We worked with pilot schools on the ‘Just Play’ project and it was very successful. I immediately knew that Musical Futures was something special. It was the way I wanted my lessons to be, with students taking the lead and really enjoying what they were doing. From that point on I have integrated Musical Futures pedagogy and approaches into my classroom.

What do you do?

After a number of successful years at Turton School in Bolton and Parrs Wood High School in Manchester prior to that, I am now Head of Music at Broughton High School in Preston. I also work very closely with both Manchester Metropolitan University and Liverpool John Moores University, delivering training on integrating technology effectively into creative arts classrooms.

What is your background?

Before becoming a teacher I was involved in projects with Apple, IBM and Intel. However, I decided that teaching music was for me. I have a BA(Hons) in Popular Music with Music Technology from the University of Derby and gained my PGCE with Manchester Metropolitan University. I am also a trumpet player, drummer and I love to compose.

 Five Words that sum up Musical Futures

Innovative, Supportive, Exciting, Engaging, Inspiring

What music are you listening to at the moment?

I have quite eclectic tastes but at the moment I’m listening to quite a lot of Vulfpeck, The Fearless Flyers, Snarky Puppy, Daft Punk, Fatboy Slim, UNKLE, Riot Jazz Brass Band and the film scores of Alan Silvestri. I could go on! There is so much amazing music around at the moment and I love to discover new musicians and artists.