The Music Workshop Company Blog

Each month the Music Workshop Company publishes two blogs. One blog, written by the MWC team addresses a key issue in Music Education or gives information about a particular genre or period of music. The other blog is written by a guest writer, highlighting good practice or key events in Music Education. We hope you enjoy reading the blogs.

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To contribute as a guest writer please email Maria@music-workshop.co.uk

Posts tagged “MUSIC AND YOUNG PEOPLE”

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Amplify – supporting grassroots music projects

Posted on 30th April 2025 at 17:56

Young performers from HvH Arts Camden’s project on stage

This month brings an update from our friends at the London Music Fund, who have blogged for us in the past about their work improving music education for young people in the capital. Here Kate Kelly, Senior Programmes & Operations Manager, tells us about the charity’s Amplify fund, which supports grassroots organisations to deliver a range of creative projects. Read on to learn about some of the initiatives the fund has enabled, and the latest developments with its launch in Liverpool.

(Image: Performers from HvH Arts Camden’s project, Rock-U-Mentory, funded by Amplify London)

Life as Master of the Music

Posted on 27th March 2025 at 17:49

Dublin Saint Patrick's Master of the Music, Stuart Nicholson, standing at the cathedral's organ

This month, we hear from Stuart Nicholson, Master of the Music at the world-renowned Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland. He tells us about his route into music, and explains just what his role entails on a day to day basis.

Read on to learn about the thrills and challenges of Stuart’s job, and what it’s like to work in such a setting. We also have information about a special afternoon of music-making at the cathedral this spring, where children can sing alongside the choir.

Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival

Posted on 31st May 2024 at 11:21

Each year, the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival takes place in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. The event features book seller and publisher stands as well as a range of activities and talks for children, families and parents spanning all types of culture, from music to animation. This year, the Music Workshop Company’s Artistic Director, Maria Thomas, was there delivering music workshops. In this post, she reflects on her experience of the festival.

Image: Maria prepares to deliver a workshop at the festival's School of Talents.

What teachers should know about young people’s vocal health

Posted on 30th June 2023 at 16:03

This month, singing specialist Olivia Sparkhall shares her top tips for helping young singers look after their voices. It’s a topic that Olivia has developed a wealth of expertise in as a choir trainer, an award-winning choral conductor and as a secondary school music teacher for over 20 years.

With her new book, A Young Person’s Guide To Vocal Health, available now, Olivia reveals some key advice – and dispels some myths – to help teachers support their students to stay healthy and get the best from their voices.

The London Music Fund: working to make music a right, not just a privilege

Posted on 31st May 2023 at 14:14

Back in 2016, the London Music Fund blogged for us about some of the opportunities the charity provides for young people in the capital to fulfil their musical potential. This month, we caught up with Georgina Skinner, the charity’s Programmes Manager, about their inspiring work helping young people access high quality music education, and the impact this work has had.

In Praise of Music Education in Primary Schools

Posted on 31st March 2023 at 14:53

This month, we hear from Nat Dye, music leader at Newham’s Nelson Primary School, which recently scooped a national award for its outstanding music provision. Nat, who alongside his role is also a youth ensemble leader, conductor and band leader, trombonist, composer and arranger, and performing jazz musician, argues the case for bringing music specialists into schools.