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

In Episode 92, Patrick chats to Francesca Christmas and Toby Davies from Trinity College London about their Awards and Certificates in Musical Development, Digital Theory Exams, AI, and more; David Gray talks about his primary curriculum, his online resources, training for primary music specialists, and makes the case for ukuleles; And Dr Robin Harrison, director of Maestro Online, introduces their masterclasses, practicing resources, and the new Pop Piano grades. Presented and produced by Patrick Johns. https://www.trinitycollege.com https://www.youtube.com/musicwithmrgray https://www.the ..read more

In the first episode of 2024, Patrick chats to Janet Fischer about the excellent work done by Live Music Now, bringing music to those without previous access. Dr Anna Mariguddi discusses her recent research into informal music learning in primary schools. And Keith Sykes from Lewisham Music chats about their award-winning project connecting music and young people’s mental health, Front Line Young Minds. Presented and produced any Patrick Johns. http://www.livemusicnow.org.uk https://research.edgehill.ac.uk/en/publications/exploring-the-potential-of-informal-music-learning-in-a-perceived h ..read more

In the last episode of 2023, Patrick meets Zac Moxon, Winner of the 2023 Outstanding New Teacher of the Year at the Pearson National Teaching Awards. They chat about his department at Chiswick School, the curriculum, and the secret to putting on over 50 concerts per year! Plus, organist, composer and Director of Music at Selwyn College, Cambridge, Sarah MacDonald, discusses Christmas carols: composing, arranging, and writing descants, plus barriers faced by female composers, choral directors and organists. Presented and produced by Patrick Johns. https://www.teachingawards.com/award-winner ..read more

In Episode 89, Patrick chats to Dr Kirsty Devaney about her research into barriers faced by female composers, including young people’s perception of what it means to be a composer. And Mr Primary Music Education himself Jimmy Rotheram discusses all things primary, with guidance for non-specialist teachers, including dos and don’ts. Presented and produced by Patrick Johns. https://tinyurl.com/AddressingGenderInequality © Music Teachers' Association www.musicteachers.org ..read more

In Episode 88, Patrick meets Jason Poulston, the music teacher behind the fantastic resource Music Homework, which does exactly what it says on the tin! Sophia Allen from Britten-Pears Arts introduces their newly-commissioned songs as part of Friday Afternoons, and the Big Sing! And singer, author, educator and researcher Randye Jones discusses Spirituals: their origins, the use of difficult terminology, and dialect, and Spirituals' place in the Music Classroom. Presented and produced by Patrick Johns. www.musichomework.co.uk https://brittenpearsarts.org/friday-afternoons/themes/new-releas ..read more