Our first free CPD course –  Teaching the Recorder One Step Ahead of the Pupils – took place last December and was led by Sarah Goldsmith, Schools Curriculum Support Officer. Sarah recorded her thoughts and her future plans:-

“Since starting as Schools Music Curriculum Support Officer in September 2019, I have been pleasantly surprised by the number of schools who are looking to reintroduce the recorder into music lessons.  As a recorder player myself, I have always been an advocate of the recorder as a class instrument.

The beauty of the recorder is that with a little routine and clear expectations, all children can succeeded and play as an ensemble very quickly.  Charanga is full of resources suitable for complete beginners through to more competent players which are great fun to use with a class and allow teachers to stay one step ahead of their pupils.

The crucial part of a successful recorder programme in school are the initial lessons where routines are set up and Essex Music Services have developed a new twilight CPD to share the secrets of calmer recorder lessons.  As part of the training we explore classroom management techniques, basic instrumental technique, how to introduce written notation and how to scaffold learning for individuals.

If you can gather a few local schools who would like to attend a CPD session Essex Music Services will deliver the training free of charge.”