With two days of sessions, speakers, educators, and exhibitors, the Music Education & Drama Expo is the place to be for the best and brightest in the music education space. Besides getting the chance to rub shoulders with music mavens and industry insiders - including pBone Music at Stand D62 - there is a vast array of events and keynotes to enjoy.
We’ve already selected five sessions to check out on the 22nd of February, the first day of the Expo. Now, let’s round up five sessions from day two that we think you’ll enjoy. From tips on training teachers to hearing about how AI can shape music education from ChatGPT, there is something for everybody.
Let’s dive into five ways you can make the Expo, well, excellent…
#1: Inspiring beginner instrumentalists
When and Where: 23 Feb 2024, 10:00 - 10:45, Seminar Theatre
Who's It For: Primary maestros and those wielding instruments and vocals with a passion.
The Scoop: Kay Charlton is hitting all the high notes on transforming eager beginners into dedicated musicians. Expect a treasure trove of warm-ups, genre-spanning repertoire, and creative ways to practice, improvise, and compose. This session is your backstage pass to cultivating musical journeys, from the author of Are You Ready? along with many works for pBuzz.
About the Speaker: From the Bollywood Brass Band to authoring essential guides like How to Teach Whole-Class Instrumental Lessons, Kay's fusion of performance, composition, and education makes her a leading light in the UK's music landscape.
#2: Training the trainer
When and Where: 23 Feb 2024, 12:00 - 12:45, Seminar Theatre
Who's It For: Educators and leaders tuning up their CPD repertoire or conducting top-tier training.
The Scoop: Sarah Share leads a session around staff training harmonizes and primary curriculum delivery. With expert insight from the Leicestershire Music Scheme, discover impactful music staff training, from planning to performance, ensuring every note lands with precision and passion.
About the Speaker: Sarah Share's skills span teaching, training, and consulting, showcasing her educational strategies as Assistant Head at Leicestershire Music.
#3: Sounds of uncertainty: what might AI mean for the future of music education?
When and Where: 23 Feb 2024, 12:30 - 13:15, Keynote Theatre
Who's It For: Visionaries and educators ready to tune into AI's overture in music education..and anyone hoping to get ChatGPT's autograph.
The Scoop: The Music Education Council assembles a panel of maestros and tech pioneers to explore AI's role in reshaping musical engagement, composition, and instruction. Dive into a dialogue on ethical dilemmas, the blend of human artistry with AI, and the opportunities this exciting technology brings.
About the Speakers: This six-person - and one digital entity - panel is packed with expertise. There is Chris Walters, National Organiser for Education and Health & Wellbeing at the Musicians' Union, composer Robert Laidlow, and music artist Tee Peters. They are joined by music production and education guru Phil Castang MBE, alongside Barry Farrimond-Chuong's innovative leadership in accessible music technology, and Zakiya Leeming, artist and producer and residence at the RNCM. And then there is ChatGPT to offer unrivaled digital wisdom (at least, that's how ChatGPT put it).
#4: What's new from ABRSM Music Medals?
When and Where: 23 Feb 2024, 13:30 – 14:15, The Workshop
Who's It For: Educators, leaders, and anyone orchestrating assessments.
The Scoop: Lincoln Abbotts, Russell Jackson, and Joanna Petrie unveil the latest from ABRSM Music Medals, designed to fine-tune teaching and learning experiences. This interactive workshop invites you to bring your instrument and immerse yourself in the world of assessment, repertoire, and musical skills development.
About the Maestro: From Lincoln Abbotts' advocacy in global music education to Russell Jackson's front-line teaching insights and Joanna Petrie's ensemble education expertise, this session promises a brilliant blend of innovation and inclusion.
#5: Performance ready in one session
When and Where: 23 Feb 2024, 14:45 - 15:30, The Workshop
Who's It For: Educators looking to jazz up their classrooms with whole-class brass brilliance.
The Scoop: Deirdre Waller-Box takes the stage with a practical masterclass on transforming classes into performance-ready ensembles in just one session. Learn to weave choreography, backing tracks, and singing into your lessons, and discover the Brass Foundations programme from Brass Brands England.
About the Maestros: Deirdre Waller-Box, with roots in New Zealand's trombone tradition, has played a pivotal role in UK brass education. Her leadership in Camden's brass bands and whole-class projects exemplifies her commitment to nurturing young musicians.
Whether you're looking to enhance your teaching toolkit or explore the cutting edge of music education technology, day two of the Expo has you covered. Stay tuned for more, and remember, the headliner is just as important as the opening act – visit pBone Music at Stand D62!
You can discover the full schedule of events on the Music & Drama Education Expo website.
Director of Education Partnerships Jonty Hines will be attending the Expo. If you’d like to book a meeting or fancy a chat about progressive and inclusive instruments from pBone Music, get in touch.
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