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Kicking off the new term with a new series of Teaching Notes, Patrick talks to MTA President Simon Toyne about changes this term in the Music Classroom, and about the new campaign #CanDoMusic; and we hear from several music teachers about their plans for the lessons.

Also, legendary comedian, impressionist, writer and opera translator Rory Bremner tells Patrick about a terrific new audio book he’s been involved in, to help get Years 3–7 into Classical Music.

And the UK’s first Professor of Mental Health in Education, Professor Barry Carpenter discusses The Recovery Curriculum, and some crucial aspects of children’s post-lockdown mental health, that all teachers should consider when planning lessons.

Produced and presented by Patrick Johns.

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In Episode no.18, the last podcast of the academic year, we hear from Catherine Barker about discussions at recent MTA webinars on the topic of returning to school, and the Executive Director of London Music Masters, Rob Adediran, introduces the diversity and inclusion strategy tool, “I’m In”.

Also, James Manwaring gives some excellent advice to teachers already thinking about the Autumn Term; and MTA President Simon Toyne signs the academic year off by reflecting on how far we’ve all come this year, and how we can prepare for next year.

Produced and presented by Patrick Johns.

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In Episode no.17, James McKelvey introduces Patrick to an alternative qualification for Key Stage 5, the International Baccalaureate Diploma; Gareth Davies from the London Symphony Orchestra and film maker Vic Craven talk about the creation of the hugely successful “Where’s Simon?” online project, involving students playing along with the LSO and Sir Simon Rattle.

Plus, Jazz legend, and former Miles Davis sideman, Ron Carter chats about introducing Jazz to beginners, and recommends some recordings for beginners to listen to.

Produced and presented by Patrick Johns.

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In Episode no.16, Andrew Moxon discusses the large part that his students’ external music-making plays within his school'sl life; and Musical Futures’ Fran Hannan introduces their online TV channel #mufutv.

Plus, Patrick discusses various approaches to teaching Jazz to beginners, with Grammy Award-winning Jazz musician Loren Schoenberg, from the Juilliard School of Music.

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns

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In Episode no.15, Julian Whittaker looks back on his Key Stage 4 students’ work during lockdown, and Patrick meets opera singer Mark Llewelyn Evans, author of The ABC of Opera, designed to introduce opera to young children.

Plus, world-famous cellist Julian Lloyd-Webber and Patrick discuss the life-changing experiences that Classical music can give to students, and some of the challenges associated with teaching it.

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns

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In Episode no.14, Dave Lowe gives Patrick an overview of the subjects his Year 7s study, including a terrific iPad project; plus Hayley Clements, the Head of Learning and Participation for RCM Sparks at the Royal College of Music explains how their partnerships with schools work, and how schools can get involved.

Plus, in the wake of recent worldwide events, Patrick talks to musician and author Nate Holder about decolonising our own music curricula, providing food for thought for teachers everywhere to re-examine their own lessons.

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns

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In Episode no.13, Head of Music Mark Aitchison tells Patrick how he’s managed to turn round two struggling music departments, and explains his different approach to Key Stage 3 learning; plus Austen Smart from Future DJs gives some insider information as to the services they provide to schools.

Plus, Patrick finds out about a charity that transforms lives through music, Brass for Africa, talking to superstar trumpeter Alison Balsom, charity founder Jim Trott and Director of Music Education Lizzie Burrowes about their work in Uganda, and the life-changing opportunities they can provide for students in UK schools.

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns

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In Episode no.12, Naomi Cook from Collins Learning tells Patrick about Music Express, an incredible resource for Primary Music, and James Manwaring offers some thought-provoking ideas about the importance of focussed listening, both for teachers and students.

Plus, Mike Simpson from Inspire Works UK tells Patrick just what "World Music" means nowadays, and offers some practical tips for getting started with this huge topic, especially when resources are thin on the ground.

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns

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In Episode no.11, Chi-Chi Nwanoku talks about the Chineke! Junior Orchestra’s recent success in Britain’s Got Talent, Patrick chats to Dan Clark from Rock School about their increasingly popular qualifications, and Tim Garrard gives an overview of what to expect in this year’s online conference, “MTA at Home”.

Plus, one of the stars of conferences past and present – Harry the Piano – talks Jazz, improvisation workshops, and rises to the challenge of Patrick’s classical-Rockney fusion! 

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns

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In Episode no.10, Patrick chats to Lincoln Abbotts from the ABRSM about Classical 100, James Manwaring reports on a discussion about composing at home, and plus, in an interview from the Music Expo in early March 2020, Patrick finds out from Peter Craik, from the English Folk Dance and Song Society why we all need folk music in our schools.

Plus, Patrick Gazard and Jane Werry, co-authors of “Being a Head of Music – A Survival Guide” explain the book’s genesis, look at the position’s wider role, and give invaluable tips to all aspiring Heads of Music.

Presented and produced by Patrick Johns

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