This inspirational in-person conference (FREE to Birmingham schools) is not to be missed. The conference is FREE to all Birmingham schools and always attracts well over 120 schools/music leads from primary, secondary and special school settings.
Full conference schedule and running order to be published shortly, with a range of expert guest speakers from across the music education sector.
The conference will cover / feature:
- Support and training in writing School Music Development plans and evaluating current provision
- Valuable subject-specific CPD for Birmingham schools to support music curriculum delivery
- An opportunity to network and share ideas with colleagues from neighbouring Birmingham schools including transition between primary and secondary schools
- The opportunity to learn more about future partnerships and provision provided by the Birmingham Music Education Partnership (BMEP)
- Trade stand exhibition featuring publishers, exam boards and also instrument retailers.
If you would like more information, please feel free to get in touch here.
“The BMEH Conference is always a great chance to learn about key developments in the sector, try out new ideas, and connect with colleagues across the city. The range of speakers and events means there is something for everyone working across all contexts. It is also a chance to build new and meaningful partnerships to enhance the offer we can make available to those we support. It is a privilege to have such a wonderful event right on our doorstep and I highly recommend this to all colleagues working in music education. (Dr Adam Whittaker, Associate Professor of Music and Head of Pedagogy at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire).”
Dr Adam WhittakerÂ
Associate Professor of Music and Head of Pedagogy
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
”The Birmingham Music Education Conference offers an invaluable opportunity to connect with other music teachers      and practitioners and to benefit from tailored CPD, where you can reflect, discuss and learn from others, as well as      sharing your own thoughts and perspectives.The conference experience enables pathways to enhance your own       music teaching impact and to make new connections in the music teaching world. I look forward to seeing you there! (Dr Anthony Anderson SFHEA, Associate Professor in Music Education at Birmingham City University).”
Dr Anthony Anderson SFHEA, Associate Professor in Music Education at Birmingham City University
Trade Stand Information:
Normans – Headline Sponsor: ”Normans has been supporting Music Education for over 65 years and is recognised as one of the UK’s leading suppliers of instruments to Music Hubs and Schools. We’re delighted to be headline sponsors of the Birmingham Music Education Conference and proud to support local Educators in their work to inspire young people and strengthen music-making in their communities.’’Â
Music Teachers Association: The Music Teachers’ Association is the largest and longest established association of music teachers in the UK, supporting all who are connected with a school music department.Â
Beat Goes On: Beat Goes On will be leading a range of sessions, including STOMP-style Body Percussion for KS3-4.Â
ABRSM:Â ABRSM Voices is a flagship portfolio of support, empowering multi-academy trusts to drive musical excellence and embed a vibrant culture of singing through bespoke curriculums, expert-led development, and transformative engagement initiatives.Â
Technology in Music Education (TIME): ‘’TiME champions creative, inclusive music making through technology. Explore our Table of Tech, featuring inclusive and adaptive musical digital instruments from leading music tech companies, and find out about our free educator membership and resources.’’Â
Chamberlain Music: ‘’Chamberlain Music is a leading manufacturer and supplier of educational musical instruments. Approved by the Department for Education for the Musical Instruments, Equipment & Technology Framework, we are a trusted partner of Music Hubs and schools across the UK, recognised for delivering a genuinely comprehensive and stress-free service. We support you at every stage, from initial enquiry to seamless delivery or installation, and beyond. ‘’Â
The Schools Printed Music Licence (SPML): The Schools Printed Music Licence (SPML) gives teachers the flexibility to copy, scan, adapt and share printed music legally – all from one original purchased copy. More confidence. More creativity.Â
Trinity College London: Trinity will be on hand throughout the day to chat with music teachers about the latest developments in music qualifications, resources and assessment – and how they can support your classroom and instrumental teaching.Â
Charanga: ‘’Charanga and MusicFirst are trusted names in the music education sector. Over 70,000 teachers in 64 countries use Charanga’s customisable platform to teach music, while MusicFirst’s cloud-based music education solutions are used in over 1,000 UK secondary schools. Together, we offer a complete digital solution for music learning for students aged 4–18, along with award-winning music curricula, technology, and CPD and teacher training.’’Â
Sessions:
The Birmingham Music Education Conference will feature a number of engaging sessions across Primary, Secondary and SEND settings, including:Â
Primary 1 – Music at the Heart: Strategies for Building a Musical School Culture: Explore how to involve all children in high-quality music making, ensuring inclusive and engaging experiences for every pupil. Learn how to weave music into everyday resources to make music a natural and continuous part of school life. Presented by Sarah Camwell, St Laurence Church Junior School and Rebecca Ledgard, Ex Cathedra.Â
Special School/Alternative Provision/Special School – TiME – Table of Music Tech – Inclusive & Accessible Music Technology. Join TiME UK’s Table of Music Tech – a hands-on session showcasing the latest accessible music technologies. Try instruments, apps and hardware that help to break down barriers and enable creative music-making for learners of all ages and needs. Explore how these tools can support inclusive pathways, exam suites, and classroom delivery aligned with the National Plan for Music Education. Walk away with practical ideas to embed inclusive music tech in your setting.Â
Secondary 2 – Strategies for Teaching Composition in the Secondary Classroom in KS3 with Queensbridge School: This session focuses on equipping teachers with a range of structured practical activities. Presented by Jo King, Head of Music at Queensbridge School.Â
And more!Â
About the Organiser
Adam Hickman - Deputy Head of Music Service, Services For Education
Adam graduated from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (formerly Birmingham Conservatoire) in 2008 with a BMus (Hons) degree, where he studied classical guitar with Mark Ashford and Mark Eden. Upon graduation, Adam completed a PGCE in Primary Education at Birmingham City University and has since worked as a peripatetic music teacher. He is currently Deputy Head of Music Service at Services For Education.
In the past, Adam has worked as an External Examiner at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and coordinated and lectured on music education modules at both Birmingham City University and The University of Birmingham.
In June 2019, Adam was awarded Honorary Membership of Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in recognition for his work in music education. Adam is also active as a conductor and ensemble director through his work with the Birmingham Schools’ Training Guitar Ensemble and the National Youth Guitar Ensemble.
