by Author SoundConnections

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Becoming a portfolio musician might be easier than you think

Sound Connections has championed an inclusive approach to music education since our formation – it is at the heart of all our work.

The week before last Sean Gregory (Director of Creative Learning for the Barbican Centre and Guildhall School of Music & Drama) wrote about the importance of practitioners being skilled to engage people from all walks of life to participate in music. He believes that this is fundamental to inspire and meet the needs of today’s culturally engaged society.

The projects we support, the good practice we share and the initiatives we engage with, all aim towards developing our workforce so that young people – whatever their background or situation – have the opportunity to participate in music in a meaningful way.

Those at the very beginning of their careers may find the call to develop a portfolio of skills daunting, just as those that have been established in a specialism for a long time may find it difficult to add new strings to their bow. Our range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) services are designed to support the music education workforce to develop these skills, and to become more confident at putting them into action. Our training programme of workshops, masterclasses, and annual conferences for those working in challenging circumstances or early years music sectors all offer unparalleled access to national experts and practitioners. Our Start Up and Development Needs Analysis (DNA) sessions provide more hands-on and one-to-one support. Our Innovate Programme allows us to put our money into direct action, allowing you to take risks with new ideas with seed funding and bespoke support.

We’re always looking to improve how we support you and your work. The LEYMN Apprentice Programme and the Peer Learning Scheme are two new initiatives that offer on-the-job experiences, observing and shadowing others.

We hope that with our support, becoming the confident, inspiring portfolio musician is simpler than it might first appear.