Make Your Mark: Notes on Music Education

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...

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 sho...

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 as...

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 conve...

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 education...

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.

In this month’s episode, we explore how low-income backgrounds might create or perpetuate barriers for young people to get involved with and pursue music, with a particular focus on instrumental tuition. We’re joined by Jo Yee Cheung from Olympias Music Foundation, Katie Walker from Young Sounds UK, and Chris Guénault from Future Talent to hear how each of their organisations is working to break d...

Recorded on World Mental Health Day, Rachael Perrin and Alex Theophilus discuss the challenges faced by young people today and how music can serve as an effective tool to support mental health. Together, we explore how educators can ensure they look after their own mental health and why it remains such an important topic to keep discussing. Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes,...

What skills can you gain from a Music degree? How can young people best prepare themselves for the application process? And what challenges are higher education institutions facing in the UK music education sector? Join us as we explore all this and more with three guests from university music departments and conservatoires – Hannah Thuraisingam Robbins from the University of Nottingham, Diana Sal...

Join us as we explore why the music education sector has in important part to play in tackling the climate crisis. Our guests, Ruth Roberts , a Senior Leader at Kent Music, Dr Ross Purves, Associate Professor of Music Education at University College London, and Hannah Mears-Young , Programme Manager for the National Youth Folk Ensemble, dive into the barriers that may prevent music educators from...

In this episode, we’re joined by Yasmine Dankwah, a creative freelancer and previous Wired4Music Associate with Sound Connections, Nick Thorne, Executive Director of Orchestras for All, and Laura Fullwood, their Youth Leadership Coordinator, to explore all things youth voice and youth leadership. We hear how organisations can empower young people and embed youth voice into their structures, and di...

Join us as we explore disability in music education. Alongside our expert guests Ben Sellers , leader of MEHEM UpRising, Kris and Nicci Halpin , the co-leaders of inclusive music project Dyskinetic, and Jess Fisher , a musician, educator and member of the Able Orchestra, we dive into the barriers facing disabled people in accessing a high-quality music education, and in becoming music educators th...

In this episode, we’re joined by Catrina Lowri , founder of Neuroteachers and Diverse Educators trainer, Clair Mccoll , Music Hub Manager for Octagon Music Hub and Music Mark Trustee, and Danya Rushton , a current student at the Royal College of Music, to explore the impact of neurodiversity on learners and how music educators can do more to create an inclusive and supportive sector. Find full tra...

Join us as we dive into classroom music teaching and talk about tools for teachers. With Jenetta Hurst , the Creative Educator, James Manwaring from Music Teachers Association, and Abi Marrison , Music Mark’s Schools Manager, we explore the realities of teaching music, some of the changes in the profession, and provide practical advice for teachers or those considering becoming a teacher. Find ful...

In this episode, we explore the realities and challenges of pathways into the music industry. We’re joined by Benjamin Turner from Rap Club and The Spit Game, Tom Eagle from Musician’s Union, and Grifton Forbes-Amos , a professional trumpet player. They share their own experiences with the music industry, tell us more about what they do now, and provide advice and insights for those pursuing a car...

In the first episode of Make Your Mark: Notes on music education, the new Music Mark podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Eddie Dobson , Co-Director of Yorkshire Sound Women Network; Kate Rounding , Executive Director at TiME (Technology in Music Education UK); and Xanthe Sparke , Project Co-ordinator at Old Chapel Music Studios. We talked about representation in the music technology space, the challenges...