Earthsong Programme
Starting musical journeys for over 4500 young people in Bristol and counting
What is the Earthsong Programme?
Our Earthsong Programme provides the first step into music for children in Bristol primary schools.
Created in partnership with the Earthsong Foundation, the Earthsong Programme guides children in 13 Bristol primary schools through a 5 year music education programme.
The programme is provided to schools that may have limited music provision, particularly in disadvantaged areas or where English is a second language.
We are delighted to announce that funding has been secured to continue the programme for an additional 5 years (2024-2029) across 11 primary schools, allowing us to expand the offer to include composition workshops.
Overview
- 5 year targeted programme delivered to primary schools in Bristol with lack of music provision, particularly in disadvantaged areas or where English is a second language
- Providing music education to young people who would not otherwise have access to music lessons or instruments
- Encouraging academic attainment across the school curriculum and a life-long engagement with music.
- Consistency of programme participants where the same children follow the Earthsong Programme over the 5 years, building knowledge over time
- Group music making, music lessons and group ensemble playing with specialist tutors as well as after school clubs
- Instruments provided free to schools for whole class music activity
- Instruments provided to young people to practice at home and play in ensembles
- Performance opportunities at points throughout the programme, including concerts playing together at prestigious music venues
How can a young person know whether they are a musician, unless they experience it in the classroom with their peers?”
Laurie Stewart, Vocal and Instrumental Strategy Manager, Bristol Beacon
5670 whole class music lessons
have been delivered over 5 years (2019-2024)
1560+ instruments provided to schools
including ukuleles, violins, glockenspiels, penny whistles and percussion, between 2019-2024
450+ instruments loaned to children
for individual learning and practice between 2019-2024
5 Earthsong outcomes:
- Improved musical skills.
- Increased confidence and self-esteem.
- Developed social skills.
- Teachers have increased knowledge, skills, and confidence to embed music in the curriculum.
- Schools value music and its benefits.
Long-term Aims
Children see themselves as musicians, seeking out opportunities to learn an instrument and play in ensembles.
Children develop into well-rounded people with lifelong engagement and a love for music.
Delivering the programme
The building blocks of music
The building blocks of music
Earthsong is a long-term programme which aims to cumulatively build a child’s music knowledge.
It creates a solid foundation of musicianship, starting with fun singing activities and games leading on to developing instrumental technique and music theory, in preparation for ensemble playing and senior level playing.
Group music making
Group music making
Stage 1 of the programme provides a starting point for ongoing whole class instrumental tuition.
This includes exercises and techniques creating a more solid and connected transition to playing an instrument.
Playing and singing in a group also provide opportunities for young people to develop directional listening skills alongside their peers and teachers.
Structure
Our dream is that we build up a really strong musical community among these children in Bristol so that they can carry their music within them as they move on to secondary school, and into their adult lives.”
Suze Pole, Co-Founder of Earthsong Foundation
There isn’t a right or wrong way to music. It’s also just really fun to fiddle around with!”
Earthsong student
Impact
Benefits for young people
- Removing financial barriers to access music education and instruments
- Life long personal enjoyment of music making
- Increased confidence and developed listening skills
- Social and cultural benefits
- Wider educational development, including attainment in other subject
Benefits for schools
- Structured music programmes
- Access to specially trained music leaders
- Development and learning opportunities for teachers
- Students are assessed throughout the programme as part of a longitudinal study
- Raising the importance of music in the curriculum
The next programme (2024-2029)
The new, expanded iteration of the Earthsong Programme will include the following over the next 5 years:
-
510 Year 2 whole-class singing and musicianship sessions each year
-
510 Year 3 whole-class singing, playing and musicianship sessions each year
-
170 Year 4 whole-class composition sessions each year
-
170 Year 5 whole-class composition sessions each year
-
170 Year 6 whole-class composition sessions each year (starting 2025)
-
Up to 34 hours a week of free music lessons for 136 pupils in Years 4-6 each year (2,244 small group lessons taking place each year)
In addition:
7480 whole class music lessons
will be delivered
11,220 small group instrumental lessons
will be delivered
195 large celebration events
will take place, including 170 composition performances in schools, 20 concerts in Beacon Hall and 5 digital events
Supporters and funders
The project is supported by the Earthsong Foundation.
Read, watch & listen
The latest news from our music education and community engagement programmes
Earthsong celebration showcases musical talent in Bristol schools
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Music in schools
Music in schools
Discover our award-winning Schools programme that brings music to life for thousands of young people each year.
Join a Group, Choir or Ensemble
Join a Group, Choir or Ensemble
Come together and share the power of creating a musical experience with others.
About us
About us
Bristol Beacon is a music charity, renowned venue and award-winning music education hub.