As lockdown eases and more pupils return to the classroom, music will have a vital role to play. Schools are developing recovery curriculums, planning ways to make up for the time lost to the Coronavirus crisis and thinking of ways to help students process the upset that many will have experienced.

It has become clear that in this transition period, music will be a valuable tool when placed at the heart of schools.

As reported in a recent TES article, “As schools seek to facilitate the (re)formation of social bonds between individual students, classes and staff, utilising music as a familiar, safe mechanism could assist students in the transition to a new normal of education.” Listening to and enjoying music has been proven to lower stress related hormones like cortisol and improve wellbeing. In lockdown many adults have rediscovered their passion for music making with musical instrument shops selling out of instruments to adult learners. It’s important children are given the opportunity to make and listen to music now, musically active adults are clear about the value of having had extended periods of musical engagement and training in youth.

Music has been essential to many people’s wellbeing during lockdown. Lincolnshire Music Education Hub, led by Lincolnshire Music Service, has provided new opportunities; Online Instrumental Tuition (LMS DigiTeach), setting up online orchestras for our young participants and creating online productions across the county (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLn47RzZxRY) . Isy, a young visually impaired music maker based in Boston recently told us that her membership of Boston Youth Jazz Orchestra has been a highlight of her lockdown calendar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLn47RzZxRY).  The importance of making and listening to music has never been more certain. Music is not just a skill and passion which will accompany many into adulthood, but lockdown has highlighted music as a fundamental part of life, providing interest, routine and joy when it’s been most needed.

A range of useful resources are available to download and Music Mark will continue to update their guidance on a regular basis. For the latest Music Mark guidance visit:

https://www.musicmark.org.uk/resources/music-unlocked-guidance-for-schools-and-music-providers/

  1. Latest Risk Assessment 
  2. Music Mark 10 Things Poster
  3. LMSDigiTeach COVID19 Guidance 2020/21
  4. Enhanced Learning with Music
  5. Let's Keep Singing - Some help and advice on singing in schools

Please continue to keep music alive and book your membership and/or tuition for 2020/21: https://www.lincsmusicservice.org/services-for-schools

Thanks

Jennifer McKie