Make Your Mark: Notes on Music Education

In the first of this two-part conversation, Yusef and Ella welcome Manon Llwyd from Charanga Cymru, Eilidh MacKenzie from Fèisean nan Gàidheal, and Steve Hawker from Cornwall Music Service Trust to explore Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Cornish in music education.  

From classroom singing and community projects to oral traditions, musical memory and contemporary music, they discuss how language and music can nurture confidence, connection and a sense of belonging. 

Sarah Baumann from Brass Bands England and Kevin Hartley from the NSPCC to return to discuss Safeguarding. This episode looks at the emerging threats to safeguarding children and the key takeaways are resources our guests would point to to step up your Safeguarding knowledge.

As with part 1, please note that sensitive topics will be discussed in this episode are child exploitation and abuse, which may be upsetting to some.

It's a new series of the podcast, and Lucy and Yusef are joined by guests from Brass Bands England and the NSPCC to discuss Safeguarding.

Following our new 2-part format, this episode with look at the changes in Safeguarding over the years, how to employ the right people, intersectional safeguarding, and the unique challenges of Safeguarding in Music Education.

Please note that sensitive topics will be discussed in this episode are child exploitation and abuse, which may be upsetting to some.

Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/podcast. 

Tune up and tune in! Series Three of Make Your Mark is coming soon. We've got a new format, a new team, and a whole host of new and exciting discussions to share with you - as well as the same old selection of expert insights into Music Education's hottest topics!

In this final episode of Series 2, we explore music therapy and the therapeutic impacts of music with music therapist Graeme Davis and music education and arts leader Jane Bryant. Together, they discuss what music therapy is, how it differs from wider music-making and talking therapies, and why listening, agency and relationship-building are central to its impact. From young people and those with additional needs to people living with dementia and their carers, this conversation considers the many ways music can help people express themselves, connect with others and be heard. 

Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/podcast. 

This episode explores all things pedagogy – we're joined by Jennie Henley, Andy Shoniker and Adam Whittaker to explore some of the big questions in Music education - How do we teach Music? Is there a ‘best’ approach? What techniques help educators and those learning music access the most intellectual growth, musical progression and happiness? 

Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/podcast. 

Following the launch of Music Mark’s ‘A Common Approach: Early Years’ programme, we discuss why early years music education is crucial for child development. Nicola Burke, Polly Ives, and Amy Campbell share their experiences and beliefs about the importance of music for young children, exploring how vital music education and exploration are, not just an enrichment activity, but as a fundamental aspect of child development. 

Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/podcast. 

This episode discusses the significance of a creative curriculum in music education, exploring student engagement, innovative teaching strategies, the impact of Artsmark, and the need to build confidence in both teachers and students. The conversation also touches on the challenges of advocating for music within the curriculum and the importance of supporting teachers in their practice. This conversation explores the vital role of music education in schools, emphasising the importance of a well-structured curriculum that fosters progression and inclusivity. The speakers discuss enriching the curriculum with music, building a culture of music within schools, and the significance of collaboration with music hubs and community resources. They share inspiring outcomes from creative music education, highlighting how music can transform students' lives and foster a sense of belonging and joy. 

Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/podcast. 

To launch Series Two, join us on stage at the Music Mark Conference (recorded live in November 2025). 

In this live recording, the Music Mark podcast team are joined by Rachel Hawker, Director of Education at Rocksteady Music School, David Rees, Chief Executive of Merton Music Foundation, Bridget Rennie, Executive Director at Mahogony Opera and Caro C from Delia Derbyshire Day to discuss educational excellence at primary school, the transformative impact of music at this level and how they get the best out of the young people they work with.

Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/podcast. 

To round off series one, join the Music Mark team as they review 2025 with their personal and professional highlights from the last 12 months.