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 © Music ..read more

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 ..read more

In Episode 101, Patrick finds out all about Liz Dunbar’s incredible new online subscription resource, Music Department Resources, packed with complete schemes of work, cover lessons, and much, much more (01:13). Nate Holder introduces the 2024 Why Music Festival, to be held on 25th and 27th June 2024 (19:43). And jazz pianist, teacher and university lecturer Sam Leak discusses perfect pitch, absolute pitch and melody triggers: whether these can be taught or are just natural gifts, and different approaches to teaching aural awareness to students (23:01). Presented and produced by Patrick Joh ..read more

In Episode 99, Patrick chats to Mark Llewelyn Evans, from the ABC of Opera, about their work bringing Opera into Primary education, with books and workshops (0:56); Pauline Black gives a preview of her and Simon Purcell’s MTA Conference session, The Jazz Mindset, looking bringing Groove into the classroom (14:21); And Nate Holder discusses his new book, If I Were a Racist, expanding on his 2020 poem of the same name, and challenging what music we teach, why we teach it, and how we teach it (21:03). Presented and produced by Patrick Johns. http://academyofbarmycomposers.com/ https://twitter ..read more

In Episode 98, Patrick chats to the Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, Caroline Nokes MP, about their recent report, Misogyny in Music, looking at ways that misogyny can appear amongst school-age musicians, and its wider implications. Oli Rose, Director of Global Development for the Lang Lang Foundation, introduces their Keys of Inspiration scheme, providing whole suites of free pianos and resources to disadvantaged schools. And composer Dr James Olsen, from the Society for Music Analysis, discusses music analysis, notation, what 'musical literacy' means, and introduces the Society ..read more

In Episode 97, Patrick meets Mike Simpson from Inspire Works, to talk about their Drumbeatable programme, using group drumming to help young people overcome mental health challenges, and how the power of group music has been scientifically proven to help. Trumpeter Kay Charlton chats about improvisation in lessons, whole class instrumental tuition, and her excellent new resource, Dinosaur Stomp, published by Warwick Music. And trombonist and teacher Nathaniel Dye chats about his recent award, about remaining in the classroom despite significant health challenges, running the London Marathon ..read more

In Episode 96, Patrick chats to composer David A Stowell about recent his Music & Drama Expo talk, ‘Music Composition: Tips and Tricks for those Extra Marks’, discussing the process of composition in schools. Abi Marrison (Music Mark) and Colin Stuart (ISM) talk about Can Do Music, a joint campaign with the ISM, Music Mark and the MTA, with its huge numbers of resources. And David Mason from Viscount Organs introduces the business, and chats about the recent development of technology in organs, and the ranges available for schools. Presented and produced by Patrick Johns. https://www.d ..read more

**2024 MUSIC & DRAMA EXPO SPECIAL** Patrick reports from the 2024 Music & Drama Expo, chatting to  exhibitors Take It Away, and Darbar Academy. Plus, interviews with two of the Expo's presenters: Deirdre Waller-Box from Brass Bands England, talking about her seminar 'Performance ready in one session' Tim Bennett-Hart, CEO of RSL Awards, discussing 'AI: the challenges and opportunities in assessment' And Patrick at the Music & Drama Awards, Patrick finds out about the work of  Lifetime Achievement Award winner Sally Daunt; and goes backstage to meet the Awards' pres ..read more

In Episode 94, Patrick meets Liz Stafford, to chat about some of the big issues in Music Education today, and the forthcoming Music Education Solutions Conference. Gill Davies announces the MTA’s own Annual Conference to be held in May, including details of the trade fair, CPD, Key Note speakers, and how to get tickets. And Lesley Tyler previews her Music and Drama Education Expo seminar “A thematic enquiry curriculum for KS3”, discussing innovative ways to link all Key Stage 3 subjects in schools with a common theme. Presented and produced by Patrick Johns. https://musiceducationsolutions ..read more

In Episode 93, Patrick meets Sarah McWatt from Amp (formerly NYMAZ), and Vic Holmes from Note Weavers, to discuss the work they do for primary music in the North of England, and find out about their forthcoming Early Years Music Conference, focussing on inclusivity. And Vanessa Wilson-Best explores “exclusivity at GCSE”, focussing on technology as the great leveller. Presented and produced by Patrick Johns. tinyurl.com/AmpNoteWeavers https://www.nymaz.org.uk https://www.noteweavers.org https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nymaz-and-note-weavers-early-years-conference-tickets-753894056417?aff=oddtd ..read more