More music-making

Legendary violinist Yehudi Menuhin said that it was his dream to bring live music back into the everyday lives of people of all ages. Live Music Now (LMN), the charity he set up 36 years ago, still retains his ideals of offering live music to those with least access to it, and supporting the most talented musicians at the outset of their professional careers. We now organise over 2,000 music sessions annually in community settings across the UK. Sessions are delivered by specially selected musicians who stay on the scheme for around four to six years, benefiting from paid performance and workshop opportunities underpinned by a programme of professional development and training.

Delivering performances for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has always been a priority. Our musicians visit special schools and units throughout the UK, bringing the thrill of a professional performance direct to pupils who would not otherwise have access to live music. In LMN concerts, ensembles perform their core repertoire – classical, jazz, world, folk – alongside more familiar pieces. It can be challenging for any ensemble to engage an audience of young people, especially those with additional needs. This is why, as part of our LMN training programme, we help musicians learn to communicate non-verbally, reflect critically and respond flexibly. A challenging performance can prove as formative for our musicians as sessions in which young people have been fully immersed in the musical experience.

It can be challenging for any ensemble to engage an audience of young people, especially those with additional needs

Schools value the inclusive approach of the sessions: musicians incorporate participatory elements such as singing, dancing, active listening and conducting. They often move among the audience so pupils can see and hear the instruments up close. For children with autism, the social aspect of a concert can be particularly important. Feedback includes: “The concert provided a wonderful social and socialising opportunity for all our children to mix without restraint or anxiety”, while the exceptional musicianship of our musicians can draw out important responses from pupils, especially those with profound learning disabilities: “A joy to see the reactions and attention of pupils who often are non-reactive.”

More recently, we have developed longer-term programmes designed to support pupils’ musical progression alongside their personal, social and emotional development. In a pilot funded by Youth Music, we are exploring models for ‘Musicians-in-residence’ programmes where musicians visit special schools on a weekly basis to lead creative music workshops as well as one-to-one intensive interaction sessions. The programme is enhanced by termly concerts for the whole school and professional development sessions for school staff. The recently launched Sounds of Intent, a free online resource designed to support the musical development of children with complex needs, has given us a fascinating tool for monitoring pupils’ musical progress. Key findings for future residencies include:

• Establishing a working partnership between musicians and staff to promote pupil engagement and musical progression.
• Improving the confidence of classroom staff to continue musical activity after the residency finishes.
• Supporting LMN musicians through specialist training and mentoring, particularly around planning for musical progression.

The launch of Music Education Hubs in England has widened the dialogue about access to high-quality music-making and its importance for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Through our national network of branches, we are contributing to three new regional SEND music networks. In Liverpool, we have formed an innovative partnership with Resonate, Brighter Sound and Jessie’s Fund to provide a training network for freelance musicians and music service staff working regularly in SEN settings. The aim is to bring music professionals together to gain skills, share expertise and discuss areas of current practice, all of which should have a beneficial impact on the long-term delivery of SEN music-making in the region.

With a large network of trained, high-quality musicians and ensembles all around the UK, we would be delighted to hear from any Music Education Hubs, special schools or other partners that might like to work with us. Video examples and more details are on our website.

Karen Irwin is Strategic Director (SEN) for Live Music Now.
www.livemusicnow.org