Calling all Essex Primary Music Teachers!

Essex Music Hub are convening a network of teachers in primary schools who deliver music to the young people in their care. During the meetings we will share with you research, resources and projects that you can utilize in your classrooms and hear from Essex colleagues and see how they make music work in their schools.

Our first session will take place on Tuesday 3rd November on Microsoft Teams and we are delighted to welcome Sue Nicholls to join us to share some practical gems and to help us think about how we can add some musical sparkle to our Covid-19 adapted Christmas celebrations.

Each session will also feature short songs, ideas and activities that you can use with your pupils.  We will be inviting guests to join us for some of the sessions to share knowledge on specific areas of expertise and resources with you.

We would love to hear from you if you have a topic you would like to learn more about or an area of music that you could share with colleagues.  There is such a wealth of knowledge and diverse practise in the county that we can all learn so much from.

Subsequent meetings will be planned for each half term and will cover topics related to all aspects of music in primary schools.

In future meetings we are planning to think about:-

• how music can be used in other curriculum areas
• music and well-being
• how to promote instrumental learning in school
• how to encourage quality singing in school.

If you have any ideas for future sessions, would like to share an idea or have a question you would like us to address please contact sarah.goldsmith@essex.gov.uk and we look forward to seeing you virtually soon.

Join the meeting on 3rd November at 3:45pm.

COURSE LEADERS – Sue Nicholls and Sarah Goldsmith.

Sue Nicholls worked as a music subject leader and AST in many primary settings during her career as a teacher. She has published several music resource books for non-specialists for A & C Black and OUP and contributed material to many other publications. Sue now works as an independent music education consultant leading workshops and courses for schools and music hubs: she delivers PGCE music modules for teacher training at Leicester University and leads the ‘fast-track’ Trinity CME programme at the University of Northampton

Sarah Goldsmith works as a Assistant Headteacher in an Essex Primary school, is an Advanced Skills Teachers specialising in music, and has coordinated projects bringing together Arts organisations and schools for over 10 years.  With a special interest in creative education, she is now actively involved in Music Education as Schools Music Curriculum Support Officer for Essex Music Services.