Develop and validate your skills with The Inclusive Practitioner Certificate of Music Education (CME) – a Level 4 qualification in music education accredited by Trinity College, London.
Led by experts in the field of musically inclusive practice, the course offers a structured programme of reflective practice and person-centred learning, to improve your skills and take you further in your career.
For musicians and music educators looking to develop their inclusive practice.
Suitable for music practitioners aged 18+
Fees
- Inclusive Practitioner CME qualification – £1545.
- Individual training sessions – Individuals and Freelancers £30 / Organisations £40
Limited bursary places available
About the Course
What is the Inclusive Practitioner CME?
The Inclusive Practitioner CME is a comprehensive training programme leading to a professional, level 4 qualification in music education and is accredited by Trinity College, London. It offers musicians the opportunity to develop and validate their skills in working with young people who experience barriers when accessing music education in formal and non-formal settings.
The course is led by experts in the field of musically inclusive practice and is built around an ethos of reflective practice and person-centered learning.
The CME programme consists of a year of face-to-face and online training, and delivery support sessions. Coursework is submitted to an agreed deadline/format and 1-2-1 assessment feedback is provided by a team of experienced assessors.
The full course will take place from September 2025 to July 2026.
What you will gain
Accredited qualification – Gain a recognised Foundation Degree level qualification, accredited by Trinity College London.
Unique learning – Inclusive Practitioner is the only CME course of its kind available in the UK.
Flexible assessment – 1-1 support from a learning assessor, helping you engage with the modules and coursework submissions in a format that suits your needs.
Learn from experts – Learn from experienced and highly trained facilitators, who are experts their field as well as gaining valuable insight from fellow participants from across the sector.
Share knowledge – Upskill yourself and your team – get the tools and confidence to make change in your organisation or share knowledge with your organisation.
Join a community – Become part of a committed international alumni community of individuals and organisations working to improve quality of inclusive music making.
Make an impact – receive support to enhance your skills allowing you to facilitate inclusive, life-changing music making experiences in your community and positively impact young lives.
“I found the course extremely valuable and insightful. It allowed me to understand some of the theory underpinning my work and gave me resources (games, approaches, language, theories, signposting to other people and orgs) that I have shared in my own practice and training sessions.”
Previous learner
Who is the programme for?
The CME is for musicians and music educators who have been working with young people in music for at least one year and who are committed to developing their inclusive practice.
It is undisputed that the music education sector does not fully reflect the diversity of British society. The more diverse the workforce is, the better we can engage with and support children and young people of all backgrounds to fulfil their potential. For this reason, we want to actively encourage and support people with protected characteristics to access the course. There are many pathways into being an inclusive practitioner.
Learners might include:
- Musicians and youth workers who support young people’s music making
- Early years and primary teachers
- Community musicians and workshop leaders
- Instrumental and vocal teachers working with music services, hubs, schools or privately
Read the brochure
Read the brochure
Find out more about the Inclusive Practitioner CME qualification in our brochure. Read more about the eligibility requirements, course structure and full training facilitator team bios.
Entry Requirements
We suggest learners:
- Have one year of experience working with young people.
- Have enthusiasm and commitment to develop skills.
- Are located across the UK and internationally.
- May have experienced barriers to accessing the music industry themselves.
The CME programme benefits from a diverse group of participants, willing to share their experiences and learn from others – if you are not sure whether this course is for you and you would like to discuss the course, please email us at cme@bristolbeacon.org.
For full entry requirements read full details in our brochure.
What is expected of me?
Although the CME is a formal qualification, it is delivered in a flexible, and discussion-based way. You are not expected to work in an academic style, but you should be able to reflect on your work and express your thoughts and ideas.
You will need to be able to commit to at least three hours a week of personal study and research. You will also need to be able to meet deadlines and attend training sessions online or at Beacon Music Centre, Stanton Road, Bristol BS10 5SJ.
Assessment feedback sessions will be held at Bristol Beacon or via Zoom. Delivery Support Sessions will be held at your place of work or filmed with relevant permissions in place.
Course Information
Course Outline
The CME course consists of an induction and seven training days, which have been designed to meet the requirements of the qualification as well as preparing practitioners to work to a high standard.
Content includes:
- Exploring music education from a young person’s perspective
- Understanding how young people develop musically
- Identifying and overcoming barriers to musical learning
- Planning, facilitating, and evaluating musical learning
- Reflecting on your own work and professional development
- Awareness of best practice including safeguarding and disability equality
Sessions Summary
Training activity
- Induction (1 day)
- Group training sessions (8.5 days)
- 1-2-1 Assessment Feedback Sessions (8 hours)
- Opportunities to visit other music leaders (arranged between learners)
Delivery support and feedback
- Portfolio of coursework - 5 submission deadlines across the year
- 2 Delivery support and feedback sessions
Training Dates
TBC – please check back here for full details.
Fees and Funding
Fees
- Inclusive Practitioner CME course
- Standard place, including all training sessions – £1545.
- Individual training sessions
- Individuals and Freelancers – £30
- Organisations – £40
Bursaries
We have limited bursary places available for people who experienced barriers when accessing music education in formal and non-formal settings.
If you would like to apply for a bursary, please contact us for a bursary application form.
How to apply
Apply for the full Certificate for Music Educators or enrol on an individual course.
Apply for the full Inclusive Practitioner CME qualification
Apply for the full Inclusive Practitioner CME qualification
If you are interested in applying for the full CME course (September 2025 – September 2026), please contact us via email for an application form and reference the ‘Inclusive Practitioner CME’.
Sign up to individual Inclusive Practitioner training sessions
Sign up to individual Inclusive Practitioner training sessions
Just want a taster, refresher or something specific? We offer Inclusive Practitioner CPD training for individual sessions – you can sign up for as many or as few as you wish.
Note: To receive the full CME Level 4 certificate, you must enrol on the whole CME Inclusive Practitioner qualification.
Inclusive Practitioner Individual Courses
Sign up to the Inclusive Practitioner CPD individual training sessions.
(Note: To receive the full CME Level 4 certificate, you must enrol on the whole CME Inclusive Practitioner qualification.)
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