Imagine - recorded music linked to any theme for the classroom all at the touch of a button. This new section of the LMP website has an immense range of free listening with music of different styles and genres to support classroom themes (see sample page). In addition to a comprehensive list of topics, there is music to support comparisons of musical elements, the QCA units, assemblies and non-curriculum themes such as 'Clearing Away'. The cost for membership is £15 to cover a set up fee and initial 12 months membership. This can be paid on receipt of invoice or arranged by BACs (Bank automated Clearing system). Mention if you would like to pay by BACs in your correspondence. Annual renewal of membership is only £10 for those paying through standing order or direct debit.
Members:please sign in using the LOGIN FORM to the left, then click here for Listening Links
To apply for a user name and password
LMP provide support materials through this website and publications for schools and universities around the country. Their main focus is support for the generalist music teacher in primary and the early years, as well as support for music ICT from early years to Key Stage 3.
LMP's popular publications offer easy to read guides to games and projects in music, for the generalist as well as specialist music teacher. See Publications for furtherb details regarding purchase and price.
The government announcement that, '...every child at key stage 2 should have the opportunity to learn an instrument' has been and will continue to be funded through Standards Fund. In 2007 money for this project was develolved to schools.
£30 million is being made increasingly available during 2006-2008. All schools will receive some money.(As yet there is no information regarding what happens after the two year period).
Furthermore Trinity/Guildhall and Open University have a programme of mentored training for musicians who wish to develop their skills to meet the challenges of 'Large Group Instrumental Teaching'. This programme is in its infancy - but builds on projects from around the country such as Sound Start in Leicester/Leicestershire (contact Arts in Education for more information).
Pros and Cons
Almost all pros! Across the country teachers welcome the opportunity to learn an instrument alongside their pupils - and this goes some way to addressing the issue of teachers feeling unqualified to teach class music.
Children are generally responding positively to the experience.
Sustainability and funding needs planning carefully into any programme in which a school embarks.
Schools should not regard this programme as a replacement for all its curriculum music. Music for all pupils in the primary phase is still an entitlement.
NB: All schools will receive money.
There is clearly an opportunity to be creative with the money which should range from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds depending on school size.
LMP have a data-base of artists who can support the wider opportunities ethos.
Initiatives might include:
a project with an Arts service or community musician
a Music Residency for cluster of schools - where a circus of music animateurs provide experiences such as Samba, African Drumming, Body percussion, ICT, Bhangra, Junk Percussion, etc.
Staff training to develop their skills as practitioners (see Trinity Guildhall )
Sound structures/ gardens (see LMP home page for a powerpoint example)
Alternatively the school might devise its own initiaitive. For example a teacher could be paid to provide an ‘out-of-hours’ music club. A parent or local community musician could teach an instrument or take a singing group (with the usual police checks of course).
Issues re sustainability
All providers are likely to be making due consideration to sustainability, to include trainees, follow-up resources and purchase of instruments. (No doubt?) the music industry will already be looking at how they can manufacture currently expensive items more cheaply whilst maintaining quality. Hire-purchase may be another option, and mass-purchase another.
