Queen Anne's School Hosts Prestigious Music Teachers’ Association Conference

Queen Anne’s recently played host to the highly anticipated Music Teachers’ Association Conference, a premier event that brought together 250 delegates, speakers, and professionals in music education from across the country.

 

The three-day event, celebrated for its insightful speeches and innovative workshops, showcased Queen Anne’s School’s commitment to championing quality music education. The conference featured a stellar lineup of keynote speakers, headlined by Sarah Alexander OBE, the chief executive and artistic director of the National Youth Orchestra. Her insights into youth orchestras and music education were complemented by the profound experiences shared by multi-award-winning, Belize-born British composer Errollyn Warren CBE. Both speakers captivated the audience with their expertise and passion, setting an inspiring tone for the event.

In addition to the keynote addresses, the conference hosted a series of distinguished speakers, including Adam Ockleford, a noted music theorist, educator, and psychologist. David Bednall, a renowned composer and choral director from Clifton Cathedral, and Catherine Barker, head of music and performing arts at United Learning, further enriched the programme with their diverse perspectives. Dr. Rebecca Berkley, associate professor in music education at the University of Reading, also delivered a compelling talk, reinforcing the event’s academic rigor.

The conference agenda was meticulously designed to cater to educators working at various levels, from Early Years through to undergraduate study. Sessions delved into a broad spectrum of topics, such as incorporating classical music into the primary classroom, enhancing composition and rhythmic skills, and promoting musical inclusion across neurodiverse groups. These sessions underscored Queen Anne’s School’s dedication to fostering comprehensive and inclusive music education within the school and in our larger network of state and independent schools.

A notable feature of the event was the trade fair, which included 35 corporate partners ranging from instrument suppliers and publishers to technology platforms, exam boards, and touring companies. This vibrant marketplace provided delegates with the opportunity to explore the latest resources and innovations in music education. Panel discussions at the conference tackled pressing issues such as the development of a national plan for music education, pathways into higher education, and the challenges faced by music partnerships. These panels facilitated robust dialogues among educators, policymakers, and industry leaders, aiming to shape the future of music education in the UK.


Interactive workshops added a dynamic element to the conference, featuring sessions like a Stomp-style rhythm workshop led by Ollie Tunmer and a vibrant steel pan session conducted by Reading’s CultureMix Arts. These hands-on activities not only provided practical skills but also demonstrated the school’s emphasis on experiential learning.

The event also included various social components, such as concerts, an informal dinner, and a quiz night, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among attendees. These gatherings allowed for networking and the exchange of ideas in a relaxed and engaging environment. Elaine Purves, Head of Queen Anne’s School, stated to the delegates in a welcome address, “It is a delight to host this year’s MTA Annual Conference at Queen Anne’s School and to bring together so many practitioners and experts from the field of Music. In these challenging times, it is sad to see the Arts so much under threat, so I salute you for all that you are doing to provide meaningful Music education; you bring the joy of musical engagement to so many young people. Keep on doing what you do”.

By hosting the Music Teachers Association Conference, it has highlighted the school’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, ensuring that music educators from all backgrounds are equipped to inspire and educate the next generation of musicians.Queen Anne's School is hosting an Open Morning on Saturday 21 September and invites families to discover the path to empowered confidence in girls' education for students aged 11-18.


May 2024