Musical Futures (www.musicalfutures.org.uk) is a new and exciting way of thinking about music making in schools. It is an approach to teaching and learning music that anybody working with young people can apply.

Musical Futures is a tried and tested approach that can guarantee more young people become actively involved in music-making for longer. Recent independent research, in both England and Australia, has proven the following impact:

• An average 40% increase in the numbers of students continuing with music at Key Stage 4
• Improves student attainment at Key Stage 3
• Dramatically improves students’ engagement with music in school, with improved motivation, attitude, behaviour, attendance
• Students develop independent learning skills, helps them to become more confident, and raises self-esteem
• Engages previously disinterested pupils
• Enables students to develop a wide range of musical and leadership skills
• Teachers report it has a long-term and sustainable impact on teachers’ practice, and often changes the way they deliver music learning in the classroom

However the Paul Hamlyn Foundation has launched a funded pilot in Northern Ireland in September 2011 in Derry/Londonderry and is rolling the pilot out Northern Ireland wide from January 2012 to support Musical Futures work and to ensure that teachers feel supported with appropriate resources and national coordination.

This training is an opportunity to learn more about Musical Futures, to meet Musical Futures teachers, to participate in practical workshops that will generate ideas and resources for your classroom, and to network and share good practice. The course is free of charge, and is targeted at secondary music teachers but other music education practitioners are welcome to attend. 

For further details please contact Sarah from Wall2Wall Music on 07811107065 or wall2wallmusic@gmail.com

To apply for Musical Futures training day on Friday 11th November 2011 at Studio ON please click the link below and complete the online application form. Places are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Sorry, this course is now full.