Recent Events & News

Outstanding Service - FMS Self Evaluation and Peer Moderation of Music Services

In 2008 the Federation of Music Services (FMS) began a three year programme of peer moderation for local authority music services in partnership with the Department for Children, Schools and Families. This process took place for our service last November with the final report being published in February. We were delighted that the service was judged as outstanding overall, ‘a service which is well on the way to meeting the Government’s aspirations’.

Thank you to our colleagues, parents & carers and young people that helped and supported us throughout the process. 

Sing Up! Conference

MAS, in cooperation with Sing Up!, Rhythmix, Brighton Festival and The Dome welcomed around 140 delegates to a whole day of singing workshops on 31st March, based at the Pavilion Theatre.  Baz Chapman, Sing Up programme director, gave an inspiring keynote speech on the vision for children’s singing and we were then treated to a day of workshops from three of this country’s leading music educators. As well as practical and highly enjoyable workshops on children’s singing with Em Whitfield Brooks and Sue Hollingworth we were also challenged and highly entertained by Paul Whittaker, a leading exponent of signing singing for the hearing impaired. (We now know how to sign ‘Brighton’!). Colleagues from a range of different backgrounds came together to take part. The enthusiastic response to the day was overwhelming and one can only imagine the impact the day will have on singing teaching in these parts. (Junior Choir will love the little figure we make out of pretend bubble gum!) 

Gala Event at the Dome

Friday 6th March saw 550 young musicians and dancers take to the Dome stage to provide a truly inspiring event. The performance ranged from some of our youngest musicians that attend our children’s music workshop, new collaborations, including a new work for our dance company and string ensemble, and culminated in 150 performers on stage from our Soundmakers programme and our Youth Orchestra. Congratulations to all the talented performers!

Teaching Music Website

New website to help everyone involved in music education

Teaching Music is a new website to help everyone involved in music education to develop their knowledge and to strengthen connections between the formal and informal sectors.

The Teaching Music website is FREE to anyone involved in music education at all levels. It is designed to help all those involved in music learning to reflect and improve their knowledge, understanding and skills. It provides:

• a marketplace of resources, case studies and support

• your own personal profile page with a personalised library and news feed

• easy to use tools to create blogs and share your own resources

• lively forums and comments to connect busy music educators around the country.

To create your own Teaching Music profile and have your say visit www.teachingmusic.org.uk