by Author Drake Music

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A brief introduction to Think2020

We're really excited to be delivering our Think2020 work - here's a brief introduction to the 'what, why and who' of this very strategic project.

As I write this, we're halfway through year 1 of our 3 year Youth Music-funded Think2020 project. Here's what we're doing 'in a nutshell':

Think2020 aims to increase musical opportunities for disabled children and young people through strategic and sustainable partnership work in the music education sector. 

Awareness of and support for music making and SEN/D (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabled) is at an all time historical high. Of course, there's always been pockets of good practice and individual organisations advocating for SEN/D; but with a National Plan in place and music hubs co-ordinating regional provision, it's a crucial time to try and 'join up the dots' nationally and promote strategic thinking, sustainable working and a gradual improvement in the quality and breadth of musical opportunities available for disabled young people. 

Here's a outline of what Drake Music and our partners are trying to achieve through Think2020:

Music-making, creative expression and musical progression for disabled children and young people are achievable and are also important and beneficial in numerous ways. Drake Music can help to make it simple for music service providers to open up access to music for young disabled musicians.

We want to support the music education sector to:

  • Plan strategically
  • Work sustainably
  • Promote high aspirations for SEN/ Disabled musicians and leaders  

Why ‘Think2020’?

Think2020 is a 3 Year Youth Music funded project. We are one of 13 organisations to have been awarded this funding, which is based on organisational strategy development and partnership working. The thinking behind the name is that we want to develop clear, strategic and focused ways of working to remove disabling barriers in the music education sector, not only over the next 3 years, but well into the future. 

What we’ll do:

  • We will strengthen our networks and model, champion and promote fully accessible and inclusive musical approaches:
  • Working with our partners to ensure that disabled children and young people have the opportunity to access and progress in music-making.
  • Influencing national policy and practice.
  • Working to ensure that SEN/D music becomes an integral part of music hubs' offer.
  • Establishing and supporting a Community of Learning.

Learn More:

If you would like to know more about Think2020 please contact Douglas Noble on douglasnoble@drakemusic.org.