The South West Music Hubs have been working together to produce an online programme of content around the theme of “Embedding the Inclusive Mindset”.

On Monday 8 January 2024, the conference launches with two videos from the Youth Voice Network, which also include downloadable audio podcast versions.

Matt Brombley, Chair of the EDI Working Group, shares:

“We want to provide a place where music leaders, teachers and young people can share their experiences of embedding inclusive practice with others, so that across the south west region, we can all learn from each other, and young people themselves, as we work towards making music education more inclusive.

We want the videos shared to be the start of a conversation, and each area in the region will be sharing content with their music education workforce in ways which work for them, encouraging them to learn from others, and share their response back in Spring/Summer 2024.”

The aims for this programme are:

• To improve the workforces’ skills, knowledge, understanding, and confidence in engaging, and responding to, the voices of young people

• To improve equality, diversity and inclusion practices in participating Music Education Hubs

This work is being enabled by funding from Youth Music, awarded to the South West Coastal Hub Alliance.

On Saturday 11 June Southampton Music Hub ran the first of its new music group sessions for children and young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). Young people of all ages attended from Rosewood Free School and Rose Road Association. Led by Ignacio Agrimbau and Oliver Downer, participants were given opportunities to explore the sounds of a variety of traditional hand held percussion alongside the software Clarion, together creating evocative soundscapes.

"It was beautiful to hear how the young people responded to the different starting points provided by Ignacio and Oliver and how they responded to each other to create such atmospheric music. The hub was so grateful to all the support given by staff from Rosewood and Rose Road alongside that of Ignacio and Oliver. We are all looking forward to taking this group forward in the future." — Zoe Hunting, Music Services Manager

On Wednesday 15 December the Southampton Music Services team took part in ‘trauma-informed practice” training with Rock Pool.

The session helped the team to understand what trauma is, how it can impact children and young people, and how they can adapt their music lessons in a trauma-informed way.

Matt Brombley, Development Manager, says:

“Today has been another important step on our journey to becoming a more inclusive music service, leading a more inclusive music hub. We have spent time thinking about how music lessons can be a place where young people develop inner strengths which help them become better musicians, but also, which can spill over into other areas of their lives.”

Today, Changing Tracks release their annual findings and review in to inclusion for music services.

Southampton Music Services, the lead partner for Southampton Music Hub, takes part in the Changing Tracks network, and earlier this year, took part in an Action Research Project with Looked After Families which has contributed to this review.

About Changing Tracks:

Changing Tracks is a programme of support and learning for and with music services wanting to improve equality, diversity and inclusion. It is run by Hertfordshire Music Service and funded by Youth Music. It was previously called MusicNet East. Changing Tracks members are helping each other to be more inclusive through a peer network facilitated by Music Mark, funding for action research, support and challenge, advice and resources.

About the Alliance for a Musically Inclusive England

The network is part of the Alliance for a Musically Inclusive England.

The Alliance is a growing network of organisations working together to:

• promote equity in music education

• support others to do the same through advocacy, CPD, resources, and strategic alliances.

What does being musically inclusive involve?

Musically inclusive practice involves making sure young people’s music is HEARD:

• Holistic: placing emphasis on personal, social and musical outcomes

• Equitable: people facing the biggest barriers receive the most support

• Authentic: developed with and informed by the people we do it for

• Representative: the people we work with as participants and colleagues reflect our diverse society

• Diverse: all musical genres, styles, practices are valued equally