How long have you been working with Musical Futures?
I have been using Musical Futures since my PGCE training year. I was first introduced to the pedagogy when I visited a Musical Futures Champion School for a training day. I was totally inspired from the get-go. I remember thinking ‘I wish my music lessons were like this at school’. From that moment on I told myself that I would offer the same experience to the students I taught. After the session at Benton Park I ordered the resource pack and booked myself onto as many Musical Futures courses as I could. I went to the same one a couple of times as I was fascinated as to how the approach worked in different contexts.
During my PGCE I began exploring and implementing the Musical Futures pedagogy and I have continued to use, embed and develop ever since.
Before implementing Musical Futures, I was petrified of having to sing in front of a class of students. A couple of months into my PGCE and using Musical Futures, I was using ‘Plasticine Person’ warmups and creating vocal ensembles I never thought I’d be able to – I didn’t feel scared anymore, I felt nothing but excitement.
What do you do?
I am the Head of Creative Arts and an Aspiring Leader in Teaching and Learning.
What is your background?
I always had an interest in Music at primary school – either learning the keyboard at after school class or the recorder in small groups. Once I headed to Secondary school my parents decided to invest in private music lessons and I learnt the clarinet. I joined the local music centre and played in their wind ensemble and orchestra. I also played in the Lancashire Student Symphony Orchestra. I completed a BA (Hons) in Music at Leeds University majoring in Music Psychology.
Five Words that sum up Musical Futures
Exciting, Inspiring, Accessible, Creative and Relevant.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
I really don’t have a favourite type of music. It really depends what mood I am in and I quite often listen to recommendations in order to broaden my understanding.