18 minute read
News from our corporate members
Right: Dalcroze UK Photo: Jacqueline Vann Rocksteady Music School and Trinity College London
In September 2021, Rocksteady Music School and Trinity College London launched a new and more inclusive music qualification for primary school children across the UK. Enrolments began in February for the new Rocksteady qualification ‘Music Performance in Bands’, awarded by Trinity College London. The music school announced that the total number of students enrolled to this qualification surpasses 6,000, which is more than 1,000 higher than the number of summer 2021 enrolments for Music A-Level.
This revolutionary Ofqual-regulated ‘exam free’ music qualification is available in UK primary schools that offer Rocksteady. Children gain a qualification based on skills observed in lessons, rather than in a one-off exam or end of year performance. For more information about Rocksteady Music School visit rocksteadymusicschool.com Dalcroze UK
Dalcroze UK has launched a series of Dalcroze Taster Days around the UK and Ireland. Dalcroze is much more than a unique and deep way of learning about and understanding the language of music; it is ‘a means to discovery, of developing skilfulness and of personal transformation’ (Greenhead & Habron, 2015). It is the only method that considers the relationship between sound and movement, and by connecting them we develop sensory integration, learning, communication and social skills. Training in Dalcroze develops the capacity to apply the philosophy and the practice of Dalcroze to music teaching, performance and much more. Historically, applications of Dalcroze included neurodiverse groups such as the deaf, physically disabled as well as music therapy. Centred on using the body to express the sound and the quality of the music heard, it necessarily involves the entire sensorimotor system – vision, hearing, touch, voice and balance. John W Harvey, a supporter of Dalcroze, said in 1912 that it was ‘… a principle that must have effect upon every part of life’ (Habron, 2016). The contemporary use of Dalcroze in the UK & Ireland – in education and performance, therapy and wellbeing – is witness to its farreaching and inclusive nature. Come and find out where Dalcroze can take you by joining a Taster Day. Go to dalcroze.org.uk and select Taster Days from the Upcoming Events menu to find one in your area. There are days planned in Canterbury (11 April), Axminster (2 May), Limerick (15 May) Manchester (26 June), Leeds (16 July) and (dates to be decided) Guildford and Central London. Cost £100 (£90 Early Bird rate).
Leeds Conservatoire
Leeds Conservatoire was the first confirmed working partner for Black Lives in Music (BLiM), and the two organisations have now been working together for over a year. BLiM is a vital campaign organisation that seeks to address the inequalities facing Black people in achieving careers as professionals in the music industry, through research and advocacy. BLiM has consulted with Leeds Conservatoire’s Programme Leaders on how to achieve better representation in music repertoire and visiting staff. In the past year, BLiM has worked with teams across the conservatoire on topics ranging from improving inclusivity in recruitment approaches to diversity awareness training. Roger Wilson, Director of Operations at Black Lives in Music, commented on the partnership: ‘It’s been great to work with Leeds Conservatoire as part of their EDI change programme. I’m heartened by the huge amount of work undertaken by the conservatoire to lead on change and look forward to a fruitful collaboration between our organisations.’ leedsconservatoire.ac.uk blim.org.uk Music Education Solutions
Music Education Solutions reminds ISM members that they are entitled to a 20% discount for MES courses and events, using the code ISM20. A huge range of online and in-person training and development courses are available, which can be viewed at musiceducationsolutions.co.uk
Steinberg
Dorico for iPad 2.0 is now available for free download from the App Store Steinberg recently announced the availability of a new version of the top-rated music notation app for iPad, Dorico for iPad, which is now available for free download from the App Store. This new version brings many of the new features added to Dorico 4 for macOS and Windows to iPadOS, and also adds support for freehand annotations in Read view using the Apple Pencil for those users who choose to take advantage of the optional in-app purchase subscription. With this update Dorico for iPad is fully caught up to the state of Dorico 4, and as a result, it has gained many new features introduced in Dorico 4, including: MIDI continuous controller editor in the key editor in write and play modes, jump bar (requires Magic Keyboard or external Bluetooth keyboard), capos for fretted instruments, player group labels and much more. If you have an iPad, and you’ve not yet tried out Dorico, do check it out. It’s the world’s favourite music notation and composition app for iPad for a reason! Download it on the App Store today or visit dorico.com/ipad to find out more
ACS
Protect your most valuable asset – your Ears!
The ACS PRO Series Earplugs are custom-made using soft medical grade silicone, so you get the very best in isolation and fit, allowing you to wear them for hours at a time without fatigue or discomfort. Each earpiece is manufactured to the highest standards ensuring you get a comfortable, discreet, and effective hearing protector that can be fitted quickly, easily, and securely every time. ISM members are eligible for 15% off using ISM15 at acscustom.com/uk
National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain
The National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain (NCO) brought together more than 300 young musicians aged 8-12 in four different venues across the country in March for their spring NCO Projects orchestral weekends. Musicians worked with inspiring guest artists Aaron Akugbo, Jess Gillam, Nate Holder and Katie Stillman and conductors Dominic Wheeler, Chloe Rooke, Holly Mathieson and Caroline Hobbs-Smith, to explore their toetapping, finger-clicking themed programme. Particular highlights were NCO Stomp, a new body percussion piece by Ryan Linham which you can watch in a UK mash up on NCO’s YouTube channel youtube.com/user/ ncogb/, as well as the premiere of Windrush – A Cultural Journey, a new NCO commission containing spoken word quotes, brought together in a composition by Ryan Linham in collaboration with saxophonist Nate Holder.
NCO will launch auditions for children aged 8-14 to join its 2023 programme in June 2022 – visit nco.org.uk for more information. Portsmouth Music Hub celebrates female composers
This year Portsmouth Music Hub is celebrating some of the greatest female composers from around the world, both past and present, and the impact they have within music. Every day, throughout Women’s History Month in March, the Hub highlighted a different female composer across its social media platforms. The Hub has other celebratory events planned to include a summer concert with repertoire by female composers and the launch of some new Hub songs celebrating diversity, written by a female composer. ‘It is vital for all young people to have easy access to a diverse range of composers. Our aspiration is that through raising the profile of many different female composers, young people and teachers will discover a range of new music that will inspire further exploration.’
English Folk Dance and Song Society
The English Folk Dance and Song Society has been adding to its comprehensive Resource Bank. This now features 105 freely downloadable resource packs for formal and informal education settings, including ‘Folk Songs in the Model Music Curriculum’, ‘Learning by Ear’ and introductory materials ‘Youth Ceilidh Dancing’, ‘Folk Music Starting Points’ and ‘Exploring English Folk Music’. efdss.org/learning/resources
The Maestro Online
Schools and Hubs: Wondering how to raise the game for your pupils? How to gain that extra edge beyond where they’re at and how to supplement their existing in-person lessons? How to keep online independent learning going? The Maestro Online has the digital learning resources to achieve exactly that, making your learners’ performances and understanding more musical every day. Collaborate and request bespoke digital magazines to your specification with embedded teaching videos designed for your students’ skills development through improvisation, aural, theory, sight-reading, sight-singing requirements at minimal, or even zero cost. maestro-online.com/ music-courses-schools-collegesuniversities
Music Teachers’ Board
Our piano and violin books are now available to purchase in hard copy as well as digitally from the MTB Bookshop. Our books contain everything you need for an MTB Practical Exam, including six recital pieces to choose from, scales, technical exercises, a duet and reading skills. To complement our violin books, we also have a piano parts book series available, which contain all the music you need to accompany your violin recital pieces and can be purchased in a bundle with the graded violin books. We also have a digital book range for percussion, drums, ukulele and keyboard. We will be releasing new instrument book ranges later this year and we’ll update you when these are launched. Browse our book series on the MTB Bookshop: mtbexams. com/bookshop
Association of Teachers of Singing (AOTOS)
Our final AOTOS Sunday Area Day is nearly here. You don’t have to be a member to come along! South East: 15 May Winchester No Dots? No problem! Charles MacDougall/Anne Bradley/ Kate Gildea
Summer Conference 2022 July 22-24 at Clare College, Cambridge. Our residential summer conference is fully open to book. Moving on Together brings a fantastic presenter line up and Roderick Williams OBE will give a masterclass. There are so many options for attending this event. We’d love to see you on site, but there will be streaming options available too. Summer Residential Conference 2022 – The Association of Teachers of Singing (AOTOS): aotos.org.uk/events/ summer-conference-2022/ All the news all the time here: aotos.org.uk
British Kodály Academy
Announcing our recently launched new website!
kodaly.org.uk Working to develop quality Kodálybased music education in the UK.
Our range of activities includes CPD accredited practical online courses for music teachers and for anyone wanting to develop musicianship skills; and many books and resources available through our shop.
8 – 13 August in-person International Summer School at the University of Nottingham Music Department featuring • choir • jazz choir • daily musicianship classes • conducting • singing games • teaching topics • English folk music and Ralph
Vaughan Williams. Renowned jazz musician Pete Churchill and popular vocal coach Allan HubertWright will be in residence alongside our experienced Kodály tutors from UK, Hungary and Australia.
Friends of the Musicians’ Chapel
The Friends of the Musicians’ Chapel AGM takes place at 2.15pm on Wednesday 18 June with the Annual Service of Thanksgiving at 5pm in St Sepulchre’s Holborn, sung by the Chamber Choir of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire directed by Paul Spicer. Music includes: This is the gate of the Lord by John Joubert, Responses by Paul Spicer, St. John’s Service by Herbert Howells and Prayer to the Father of Heaven by Ralph Vaughan Williams as this year is the 150th anniversary of his birth. The address will be given by the Reverend Canon Adrian Daffern, Vicar of the University Church of Great St Mary’s, Cambridge.
Scottish Association for Music Education
The Scottish Association for Music Education continues to support all sectors of music teaching and learning in Scotland.
Following many successful live conferences, both general and specific (MusTech, vocal etc) and the wellsupported 2021 online event, direction changes slightly with the development of shorter live events taken to satellite locations across Scotland. In addition, a programme of webinars continues the established trend and looks to give strong support in the primary sector. Musical Fun in Primary 1 will appear on Thursday 21 April at 7pm. To book, visit same.org.uk/events/webinars Other current investigations include supporting composition and music education for sensory impairment.
Faber Music
The Symphony: From Mannheim to Mahler is a fascinating and accessible guide that considers the development of the symphony from numerous perspectives: analytical, historical and critical. Written by Christopher Tarrant – professor, violinist and conductor – and Natalie Wild – research and music director. The coalescing of differing experiences within the industry, enables a view from both an educational and performance stance. This informative book is ideal for students, music teachers and anyone wishing to learn more about the genre. Available from 11 May from Faber Music.
fabermusic.com/shop/thesymphony-from-mannheim-tomahler-p460777
mushRoom
mushRoom has recently welcomed new spaces for making music in Edinburgh, Manchester and Paris to its portfolio! The beautiful St Vincent Chapel in Edinburgh, where you can hire the space for as little as £15 includes the use of their lovely grand piano; and we can offer a magnificent living room with a Steinway not far from Montmartre, Paris. Bigger spaces for student concerts are also available now, including the October Gallery in London.
mushRoom is a platform that gathers music spaces, from concert venues and churches to people’s homes. Book your next music space with us, or join our host community! Find out more on find-mushroom.com Royal School of Church Music (RSCM)
Hymnpact!® is a brand new resource from the RSCM, part of our commitment to the flourishing of church music. It aims to bring hymn singing into schools and singing children into churches. Hymnpact! is an exciting, innovative approach: fresh, new songs sit alongside favourite hymns drawn from the rich traditions of the church. RSCM is working in partnership with Let’s Go Sing!, who have a successful track record in developing school music materials that are of a high quality, easily accessible, and relevant to the lives of young people of today. For more information visit Hymnpact! RSCM: rscm.org.uk/start-learning/ hymnpact/ Printed Music Licensing Limited
Campaign launched to support composers and songwriters Every Copy Counts is urging teachers to help ensure music creators receive the correct royalties for music used in schools.
The Schools Printed Music Licence (SPML) enables schools to copy and arrange published music in hard copy and digital formats, with fees paid to PMLL being distributed to publishers and, in turn, the creators of that music. Abigail D’Amore, music education consultant leading the Every Copy Counts campaign, said: ‘The SPML is paid for centrally by Government for State schools in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. It makes copying and arranging music for educational purposes simple but, in order to comply with the rules of the licence, teachers need to log the music they are using.
Right: Middlesex University singers under the direction of Mark Denza Photo: Middlesex University
Right: Helen Mead Photo: Awards for Young Musicians ‘Unfortunately, due to a lack of awareness, this data simply isn’t being captured effectively. By correctly recording music copied in schools, teachers can gain access to a suite of free classroom resources. Simply go to everycopycounts.co.uk to play your part and ensure your school complies with the terms of its licence.’
ABRSM
Free Performance Grade webinars
Join ABRSM Chief Examiner John Holmes for a free webinar exploring what makes a successful performance in a digital exam. Discover the essential elements of performance, how to choose repertoire and devise an effective programme, and what examiners look for when they assess the ‘performance as a whole’. Taking place between May and August, these free events will provide plenty of practical ideas to help you and your students prepare for a successful Performance Grade exam.
Check dates and book your place: abrsm.org/events Middlesex University
Spring has sprung at Middlesex University, with a plethora of public performances. The University Choir, Singers’ and Instrumental Ensembles performed at Burgh House, Hampstead in March, with an eclectic programme of chamber music from Purcell to Sondheim. As always, this event was a collaborative showcase, with varied line-ups and a standout performance from student conductor Byron Horne. In the same month, our end-of-term pop concert took place at the iconic Fiddlers Elbow in Camden, with students and staff performing, supporting and having fun. With both covers and original material on display, our regular gigs at this venue provide a platform for emerging and established artists. Our jazz cohort continues to host fortnightly jam nights at the Chandos Arms, Colindale. These nights host student and alumni bands, and have seen much appeal beyond the music community at Middlesex, including the MDX Vocal Jazz Ensemble, directed by the fantastic Joy Ellis. Awards for Young Musicians
Awards for Young Musicians has appointed ten new Associate Facilitators to expand its Identifying Musical Talent and Potential programme, supported by Arts Council England. The programme will train over 1000 teachers to spot the next generation of musical talent.
New Associate Facilitator Helen Mead commented: ‘I strongly believe that all young people should have access to quality musical education, regardless of their background or financial situation. I am looking forward to
spreading this message to teachers across the country and empowering them to make a difference in the musical lives of the pupils they teach.’ Lewisham Music CEO Charly Richardson added: ‘Identifying Musical Talent and Potential takes a holistic, child-led view of music education … I would highly recommend it. It was one of the best training mornings we’ve had for years.’ For more information visit a-y-m.org.uk/how-we-help/ identifying-talent/
Mark Allen Group
Classical Music magazine is returning in print with a new quarterly publication providing insight and inspiration for all industry professionals. The Spring 2022 issue includes an exclusive cover feature celebrating Classic FM’s 30th anniversary with Alexander Armstrong and Anne-Marie Minhall; in the first of our regular features on funding opportunities, we examine grants available from Arts Council England; plus, we take a look at music careers for women and the meteoric rise of Mirga Gražinyte˙-Tyla. Moreover, a new series for selfemployed musicians tackles insurance and how to choose the right cover for you; our practical guides for touring musicians begin with a trip to Malta; the Managing Director of Cadogan Hall discusses the venue’s innovative work; and we meet the winners of Orchestra Manager and Artist Manager of the Year at the Classical Music/ABO Awards.
classical-music.uk
ISM members save 20% on subscriptions with code ISM21. magsubscriptions.com/ism Royal College of Organists
The Royal College of Organists (RCO) has awarded its highest accolade, the RCO Medal, to seven distinguished musicians and scholars in an unprecedented double ceremony at Southwark Cathedral.
Alongside members of the College who were presented with diplomas and certificates, the RCO Medal was awarded to eminent practitioners from the fields of organ and choral music in recognition of outstanding achievement.
For 2021, the RCO Medal was awarded to Professor Jon Laukvik, Gareth Malone OBE and Professor Francis Pott. For 2022, it was presented to Dr Kevin Bowyer, Professor Kimberley Marshall, Margaret Phillips and Professor Kerala J. Snyder. The ceremonies on March 12 featured Ede & Ravenscroft Recitals in which Tom Winpenny, Assistant Master of Music at St Albans Cathedral, played music by Pott, Laukvik, Bach, Buxtehude, Franck, Mendelssohn and Demessieux.
From left: Dr Kevin Bowyer, Margaret Phillips, Prof Kimberley Marshall, Prof Kerala J.Snyder, RCO (l to r) Prof Jon Laukvik, Gareth Malone OBE, Prof Francis Pott Photo: Royal College of Organists
Support our sister charity the ISM Trust
The ISM Trust produces a range of professional development resources and events for all musicians around the UK – from large scale conferences to webinars, seminars, digital resources, and advice packs. Without the continued extreme generosity shown by the ISM community, much of the ISM Trust’s work simply would not be possible. If you are in a position to do so, you can support the Trust’s work in a number of ways, including through becoming a friend, donating and leaving a legacy. Find out more at ismtrust.org/support-us
to consolidate learning and offer an extra layer of fun. We are very grateful to all our corporate members for their support.
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ABRSM
Allianz Musical Insurance
Hal Leonard Europe Ltd
Insure4Music
Lark Music
Leeds Conservatoire
London College of Music
Mark Allen Group
National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain
Newmoon Insurance Services NMC Recordings
Portsmouth Music Hub
Printed Music Licensing Limited
Rocksteady Music School
The Royal Central School Of Speech & Drama
The Royal Philharmonic Society
Trinity College London
Victoria College Exams
Yamaha Music Europe GmbH (UK)
GOLD CORPORATE MEMBERS
Classic FM Collins Music Henri Selmer Paris Impulse Music Consultants International School of Musicians London College of Music Examinations Middlesex University Music Mark Music Teachers’ Board musicteacher.com Open College of the Arts Oxford University Press Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Stainer & Bell Ltd Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH Take it away The Academy of Music & Sound The Curious Piano Teachers The Piano Teachers’ Course UK Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance Tutti University of St Andrews VLT Legal Services Ltd Voice Study Centre
For further information about our different levels of corporate membership and a full list of over 180 corporate members, visit ism.org.
Encourage your musician friends to become ISM members and save on your subscription
Given the uncertainty many musicians are facing, it’s now more crucial than ever before to have the backing and support of a professional body like the ISM. We are here for the whole music sector, so be sure to let your friends who work in the profession know about our services.
Every time someone joins the ISM after your recommendation, we’ll give you money off your membership fee: £20 off if you’re a full member and £10 off if you’re an early career member.
Find full details at ism.org/recommend
Pay by annual Direct Debit and save £10
Save time and money by setting up an annual Direct Debit to pay for your ISM membership subscription. Direct Debit means you’ll renew automatically each year and won’t ever have to worry about dropping out of membership and losing your insurance cover.
Full members save £10 with annual Direct Debit. Alternatively, full and early career members can pay via monthly Direct Debit over 10 instalments.
If your renewal is due soon, visit ism.org/ direct-debit to switch. Alternatively, contact our membership team at membership@ism.org and we can arrange everything for you.
