Why have we created this website?

by Liz Dunbar @HuntSchoolMusic

I'm really lucky to work with like-minded people. We all really care about providing high quality Music learning experiences for everyone, regardless of their starting point.

We talk to one another about our Music teaching all the time. We share stories, exchange ideas, walk through lessons, challenge one another, day in day out. There's no waiting for a meeting, or a review, or a directive to examine an aspect of our practice, we just do it all the time. It's part of how we function.

So, why are we creating this website? Why are we sharing resources, and our thoughts on our approaches to Music teaching?

working in a one person department is an unbelievably tough gig

Because there are a lot of Music professionals out there working in a one person department, and that is an unbelievably tough gig.

It's a tough gig, because in addition to classroom teaching, you've got everything else to do - organise events, run rehearsals, arrange parts, hire equipment, monitor and observe your team of visiting instrumental teachers, recruit to exam courses, the list goes on....

The idea behind the podcast is to let you into our discussions, how we review ideas, how we improve our practice, how we keep the curriculum fresh and relevant. It won't be chin rubbing musings in the abstract, it will be a reflection of what really happens, the highs and lows, a 'warts and all' picture of the day job.  We're going to talk about the realities that face us, the joys, the frustrations.

The idea behind the blog is to share our thoughts on how we are responding to the latest developments in the Music education world, what we've been listening to and reading, and reflections on elements of our practice that other people might find useful. And in return, we would love to hear your thoughts, innovations and top tips - anything that will invigorate our practice, put a spring in our step, inspire us and inspire our students.

Here goes....