John Witchell's Chief Executive blog

We are crossing the threshold

We’ve had quite a hectic time in music services, but one where we continue our resolve to tackle the current challenges with deep determination. This was certainly the case at the FMS conference in Northern Ireland. Keynote speeches from Sir Tim Brighouse, Roy Leighton and David Sulkin underlined not just the importance of music, but also the essential role that music services play in providing high quality, progressive and sustained opportunities in all kinds of music. It was heartening to hear the message so clearly from people who are not necessarily musicians, but who understand completely the transformational power of music and the central role that we play in music education leadership.

Likewise, in a session where key figures in music education were asked to share their priorities for music services, Deborah Annetts, Chief Executive of the ISM, Christina Coker, Chief Executive of Youth Music, Mark Phillips, National Adviser for Music (HMI) and Marc Jaffrey, Think Again, didn’t pull any punches. But their messages were clear - music services provide the infrastructure for music education provision, but cannot work in isolation, hanker after some sort of status quo, or assume that the quality of everything is as we want it. They all fervently support music services, but are absolutely clear about the need to manage change professionally and positively. And when we heard from heads of service in a panel discussion, it was clear that we are doing that - with energy, passion and zeal.

High points in the conference were the performances by young people - traditional Irish music of the very best quality. So we must thank the performers and their dedicated teachers who provided inspirational music that reminded us why we do what we do. Given the economic climate and the challenges ahead, we must always draw on our natural reserves of music to charge our batteries and strengthen our resolve. Actually I think the conference succeeded in doing that, but we now know that we are in the middle of the most critical time for us. Many colleagues are facing very difficult economic pressures and need to be reassured that everyone in the FMS is supporting them.

One of the things that we will soon be reporting on is our work on business modelling with Ernst & Young. Of course we all know that there are no magic bullets, but I can assure you that we are doing all we can to support each and every service. After our next executive meeting on 30th June we plan to publish guidance by the end of term. It’s a critical task, because the transformational power of music will go nowhere if we don’t have sound business acumen to maximise every ounce of funding and income and provide the best value for money.

Finally I want to emphasise the importance of everyone’s contribution to the FMS. Sir Tim Brighouse made it clear that he knows that for many music leaders there is no such thing as work life balance - our work is our life. The FMS is truly a family of the most wonderful people and over the last three years I have been honoured to serve them. I was truly humbled by the spirit of the delegates at the conference and will never forget my short time at the helm. We’ve now jumped over the first hurdle in that the Music Standards Fund will continue to be ring-fenced until April 2011. But, with our indomitable determination, we will ensure that music services continue to serve their schools, families and communities, not just for the next few years, but for the rest of the 21st century. Mind you, we won’t all be around to see that!

So let’s keep on the front foot, remain committed and confident and, above, ensure that we all keep on making music, which is what we do best of all.

Music for a New Government

Now the new government is settling in it is perhaps time to take stock of achievements in music services over the last decade and be clear about what is needed for the next five years. Let’s be absolutely clear about our successes, but also our determination to make things even better for all the children, families and communities we serve.

Ten years ago the head of the service that I worked for said he really wished that we could bring instrumental teaching closer into the curriculum and I agreed with him. Well now we have. Wider Opportunities, which is now recognised as a world class success, has transformed music in the primary school and brought out the best of classroom and instrumental teachers working together. Musical Futures has turned traditional pedagogy on its head and been a leader in personalisation. A Common Approach has provided a world leading curriculum framework for instrumental and vocal teaching and, with our National Standards for Instrumental Teachers and our rigorous self evaluation programme, has enabled us to raise standards of achievement, learning and access. The profile and advocacy of music services is stronger, due in many ways to the sterling work of the Think Again team and Watershed Consulting and we are providing more and better professional development opportunities, not least with our new, highly regarded leadership programme. All these things support the work of individual teachers in all our music services.

Enough of blowing our own trumpet, though it’s important for everyone to appreciate the achievements of music services in the FMS. But we are also very much aware that all these qualities provide the underpinning for the future development that is now needed in music education. We have to help the new government address wider issues other than music and we can do that through music. We have to acknowledge the unevenness of provision across the UK, even though many of the contributory factors have been beyond our control. We have to be clear about finding solutions and answers to problems and to do so we need to lead from the front and relish opportunities to be innovative and creative. Above all we must unlock the resources of all organisations involved in music education and be at the centre of deep and trusting partnerships.

So here are a few strategic objectives to think about.
1. We must strengthen our investment in leadership so that there are sufficient people who have the skills and understanding to ensure that the nation’s vision for music is realised. We have made a perfect start with the 10 day leadership course managed by Richard Crozier - and there are some brilliant people around.
2. We need to capitalise on the progress made with self evaluation. The country needs to know that every child wherever they live will benefit from the same high quality opportunities to fulfil their potential in and through music.
3. We must build on our high pedagogical credentials and ensure that through curriculum developments and revisions of A Common Approach (digital and interactive) we can make our workforce really fit for the 21st century.
4. Our teachers are our life blood; without them we can do nothing. Therefore we have to raise the bar of professional development and support for individual teachers.
5. We must remove any obsolete barriers in terms of structures, or ways of working, so that partnerships are deeper and are characterised by trust and mutual advocacy. All music services ‘provide’ some form of music education, but our role is now much wider. The greatest appreciation of what we do comes when we also foster partnerships, facilitate the work of others and build bridges. It seems to me that the future of music service provision will depend on the ability of the music education sector to unite, not just in its message, but in its ability to maximise its resources for the good of all.
6. We have to be adaptive and imaginative in the ways we ensure the greatest efficiency and best value. In particular we need to have determination and skills in finding new business solutions and structural configurations that are fit for purpose in a more difficult economic climate. Therefore I am delighted that we are about to undertake some important work with Ernst & Young in this area.
7. Our close relationship with schools must be further strengthened so that our work is truly integral to all their curricula.
8. And, as important as anything else, we must continue to tell the story, communicate the message and fight for the future of music education, for the sake of all children.

When we say we have a world-class music education system we make the point that the country must use it well, sustain it and invest in it. In return we must commit ourselves to continual and sustained improvement. Like schools, or any other institutions, we are not perfect. But we are ‘good’ and determined to make things better. We are already shaping music education in the 21st century. Let’s make sure that music services play their full part and make the most of every morsel of resource that is in their reach – sharing, promoting, collaborating and supporting everyone who contributes to the ongoing improvement in education. Together we are ‘on the threshold of a dream’ – so I hope I will see you at our important conference in Belfast this year on 17 and 18 June when we will be dreaming about the future, whilst we are wide awake!

Is music education as important as the election?

Are music and the arts being overshadowed by the hurly-burly of the election debates? There is a danger that they are, since whilst we’ve all been fascinated by the meteoric rise of Nick Clegg, and the response of his opponents in the debates, no-one’s actually mentioning music. If you heard Ed Vaizey (Conservative), Don Foster (Lib Dems) and Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Music Matters with Tom Service, you might be encouraged in some ways. For instance Ed Vaizey admitted the mistakes the Conservatives made in the past with the Education Reform Act that removed the statutory obligation for local education authorities to maintain their music services. All three parties also agreed about the value of In Harmony and the relatively minuscule amount of funding for music education that they would not wish to cut, but they didn’t exactly say that they would maintain dedicated (or ring-fenced) funds for music service provision. So we’ve still got to keep up the pressure and ensure that we get our message across nationally and locally.

In the Times on 23rd April, Richard Morrison said how, in 25 years as a critic, he has never been so hopeful about musical life as he is now. In particular he praised the prospectus for the this year’s Proms which features exciting young British conductors such as Robin Ticciati, who came through the ranks of the NYO, or Edward Gardner, an ex chorister of Gloucester Cathedral. Music services relate directly to these two groups, as they do also for other notable stars in music - Alison Balsam, who was taught by a generous and inspirational music service teacher, and Katie Melua, who attended the Belfast Music School. Why mention them? Because if, as Richard Morrison concludes, music in the UK has never been better in recent years, much of that success must be down to the music educators - in music services, orchestras, choir schools and music schools. We produce superb musicians because we have a first class, world class music education system, underpinned by and dependent on music services.

Now to get back to the political debate, is music relevant to the economy, immigration, pensions and MPs expenses? Certainly it is, at least for the first three, though I’m not so sure about the fourth! Music education provides the foundations for the creative industries which contribute to the nation’s wealth. Through our inclusive approach that embraces all kinds of music for all kinds of people in all kinds of communities, we help to remove barriers rather than create them. Isn’t music a healing resource that brings people together, rather than pulls them apart? The case for music and pensions is a little more tenuous, but I’m sure that most music services have some activities that are designed for older people. The point I’m making is that music is relevant and indeed central to all these political issues, but of course it is also fundamentally important to all human beings. So at this time of political rough and tumble we need to remind all the contestants - i.e. all the politicians - that we are here and are helping them achieve their goals for the good of the country.

In all this the FMS is doing what it can to communicate the message powerfully and effectively. We’re working hard with our partners - ABRSM, Yamaha, Sing Up, Youth Music and Think Again to NAME but a few - so that we combine forces and help unite all those who work in the music education sector. It’s also important that everyone in the FMS maintains the messaging momentum. Have you, for example, contacted your local Paliamentary candidates so that they are aware of the good that you do? If you haven’t, it’s not too late. Are you keeping up the good news stories in the local press and your own website? Have you joined www.fmsbuzz.com, which is a great and free resource celebrating your own work. And are you coming to the annual conference in Belfast on 17th and 18th June, where keynote speakers include Sir Tim Brighouse will be helping us through this challenging period of change?

At the end of my three year contract in August I will be stepping down as Chief Executive, though I hope to work on a part-time basis for the FMS in areas such as self evaluation. I have enjoyed my time immensely, but within the next week we hope that my successor will be appointed. I believe that whilst times are tough, we really do have everything to play for. We might be at a threshold, as the title of our conference suggests, but through our collective spirit and determination we are also about to step over the threshold and lay the foundations for the future.

Twenty-six blinks between Kings Cross and Biggleswade

You know what it’s like when you are on a commuter train - read a book, do Sudoku, go to sleep or try to do some work. Sometimes you combine both work and sleep. And that’s what I did on a journey from Kings Cross to my nearest station at Biggleswade. From time to time people ask, ‘well what’s your vision?’ Now I think many people in music education have very strong views about their vision, though it is implicit rather than explicit. So I started jotting down my vision and by the time I had reached Biggleswade I was on No 26. I thought I would share them here, and would be interested if your vision is the same of mine.

1. Every child really does have the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument, initially for one year
2. Every school is truly a singing school; it knows what quality singing is all about and singing permeates across school life
3. Pre-school music education is strengthened so that all children get off to a flying start
4. The pathways beyond KS2 are clear, well sign-posted and progressive
5. Young people who may, for whatever reason, miss out in school life have high quality and easily accessible opportunities to develop their musical talent
6. Those children that wish to continue playing beyond the first year of learning are able to do so, whatever their financial circumstances
7. A continuum is established between KS2 and KS3 and from the formal to the informal and the non formal
8. Musical Futures is embedded in all secondary schools and personalised learning is at the heart of learning in and through music
9. Distinct approaches/initiatives/programmes are truly combined into a complete, holistic offer
10. Socio-musical programmes e.g. In Harmony are available in all communities that need them, not just selected
11. Diversity is reflected in the range of genres and music leaders/teachers
12. Mechanisms are in place to ensure that LA service providers are supported with core funding, whilst meaningful autonomy is maintained in schools
13. Music is embedded in the National Curriculum entitlement and any additional programmes are connected to this
14. Programmes for special needs, including the musically gifted, children with learning or behavioural difficulties, or physical disabilities are incorporated more into the mainstream – with greater, joined-up planning and realistic funding
15. Primary school teachers receive regular and effective CPD so they have more confidence in music
16. The role of secondary school music specialists is widened, so that they can utilise their skills in the community of schools e.g. in primary schools
17. The music education sector unites, not just in vision, but in practical, strategic plans
18. Inequalities of funding are ironed out, so that every child benefits from equal opportunities in music; funds are available for all legitimate members of the music education sector
19. Music is seen to support other arts and contribute fully to the cultural offer; there is synergy, but nothing is taken away from music for the sake of other artforms; there is real collaboration
20. Music networks effectively bring together the rich resources of all providers; real and meaningful partnerships underpin the provision for children, schools and families
21. Family learning is supported and promoted, extending from opportunities in schools
22. Education and training are joined-up; there is more coherence in vocational training; the value of music education is recognised in supporting the country’s wealth
23. Music leaders are recognised for what they do – in employment and CPD
24. Everyone in the country benefits from a coherent approach to lifelong learning, whatever their age
25. The world is a better place because of music
26. Music education makes music work; it gives music power

Now please don’t criticise me for having too many points - the next job will be to refine them down to three. So next time you’re on a train, see what you can do in between blinks.

John

The truth endureth from generation to generation

The Royal Northern College of Music is a great place to be when discussing music education, especially when it’s the musiclearninglive!2010 conference, as it was last week. With so much live music around you, and with so many young people making music, it’s an ideal place to meet like-minded people who share the same musical passions.

What marks this conference is the amount of practical music that is threaded through the seminars and presentations. Two outstanding concerts were relished by delegates. The first was by Tim Garland and his superb jazz trio ‘Storms/Nocturnes’. They played a fabulous number called ‘Rising Tide’, which would make a great signature tune for our leadership programme ‘Rising with the Tide’ - and by the way we still have literally one or two places left for the September course. I believe that this leadership training is essential for anyone considering taking a leadership post in a music service and it is also ideal for recently appointed heads. So if you have been considering this I recommend you sign up quickly by contacting sarah.adamson@federationmusic.org.uk.

The second concert was by the choir of Ripon Cathedral. It was inspiring in every sense and reinforced my fervent belief that in singing children can and do match the highest standards of adults. In a demanding programme, which they sailed through with technical and musical mastery, I thought about a parallel between words in Walton’s Te Deum - ‘the truth endureth from generation to generation’ and the ‘enduring’ nature of learning in music. At a time when we are articulating our message about the power of music we know that we will never fail to pass on our love of music to the next generation.

In some ways that was a theme of the conference and was certainly implicit in the keynote by Deborah Annetts, Chief Executive of the Incorporated Society of Musicians. Deborah articulated what many delegates were thinking; that the Music Standards Fund, which is the backbone of music education funding, must be centrally retained and ring-fenced for music education. Her messages about the great heritage that we have, and the need to ensure that opportunities are sustained for young people to fulfil their potential through high quality teaching often in music services, were clearly supported by all. We also appreciated her determination to fight for the sake of all our young musicians.

There is, I truly believe, a ground swell of support for music services. There is recognition that we have a central role in ensuring that sustained pathways are clearly available to all children - from first steps, through progressive routes in lessons, ensembles, choirs and orchestras, to accelerated programmes for gifted musicians. There is, therefore a high expectation - and with that comes responsibility. We haven’t used the term ‘hub’ very much recently, but perhaps we should again. With possible structural changes locally and nationally, we need to ensure that music services retain their front line role of delivery, whilst doing more in the areas of brokering, commissioning and forging partnerships with other organisations who share our objectives. At the conference there were many delegates who are not members of music services as such, but nevertheless I sincerely hope that they all feel warmly welcomed by their local music services. I hope we draw them into our communities and work together in providing the highest standards of learning in music.

I note that the Conservative Party is now telling us to ‘vote for change’. Well, I think that whichever party one votes for, change is inevitable. And of course change has been the theme of the Music Service Communication Campaign. Managing change is one thing - our teams, our structures. But to my mind it is ‘leading’ change, which is even more important. Our leadership is about finding solutions, taking opportunities, exploring alternatives and moving forward with confidence. It’s also about uniting the forces inside and outside music services. I am reassured by the strengthening friendships and advocacy of our partners in education. But I am also determined that the FMS also communicates its message with force and clarity, so that we will have no doubt about our legacy for the next generation.

Tides flowing and music services flowing from one generation to another - knowing the truth about why we teach music, why we serve children, schools and families and why we make Britain musical.