Primary Music in Conversation Podcast

Introduce a child to a bassoon and they’re enthralled with it: Nathaniel Cook, Charles Darwin School

Season 4 Episode 6: Sponsored by Get Set 4 Education https://www.getset4education.co.uk/ [https://www.getset4education.co.uk/] In this episode, we explore the rich musical life of Charles Darwin Primary School, where all music is taught by class teachers through a creative, knowledge-rich curriculum. The school offers a wide-ranging instrumental programme, alongside ensemble opportunities, opera projects, and whole-class musical learning designed to make music accessible, engaging, and memorable for every child. Music leader Nathaniel Cook shares his philosophy of building teacher confidence through coaching, creativity, and humour, helping staff feel empowered to teach music successfully. He reflects on the importance of child-centred music education, the impact of joyful musical experiences, and his ambition for music to become a defining part of the school’s identity. Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7 [https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7] Find us on socials: Instagram: @musicedsolution Facebook: Music Education Solutions Limited LinkedIn: Music Education Solutions

It’s probably the most fun you can have at school: Jade Hawkins, Wellington Lions Primary.

Season 4 Episode 5: Sponsored by Starshine Music. https://www.starshine.co.uk/ [https://www.starshine.co.uk/] In this episode, we explore the music provision at Wellington Lions Primary Academy in Wiltshire. Based in a military town, the school is at the start of its musical journey, and is working hard to introduce a full range of curricular and extra-curricular musical experiences for their pupils over time. Music leader Jade Hawkins discusses her journey since being appointed in September 2025, and shares her hopes for the development of music across the school in the future. Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7 [https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7] Find us on socials: Instagram: @musicedsolution Facebook: Music Education Solutions Limited LinkedIn: Music Education Solutions

Lots of my Year 6 I’m teaching like I would teach Year 7: Jeanette Kershaw & Louise Kelly

Season 4 Episode 4: Sponsored by ABRSM https://www.classroom200.org [https://www.classroom200.org] In this episode, we explore how Albert Pye Primary School has developed a strong and inclusive music programme through collaboration, specialist teaching, and music hub partnership working. Based in Suffolk, the school provides weekly music lessons for every child from Year 1 to Year 6, supported by Charanga, whole-class clarinet teaching, choir opportunities, and partnerships with the Norfolk & Suffolk Music Hub. Music leader Jeanette Kershaw and music specialist Louise Kelly discuss how their shared approach supports high-quality music provision across the school. They reflect on staffing models, transition to secondary school, and the role of singing and community music-making in building confidence and musical culture. Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7 [https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7] Find us on socials: Instagram: @musicedsolution Facebook: Music Education Solutions Limited LinkedIn: Music Education Solutions

Give every child the chance to fall in love with making music: Dafydd Williams, Rushmore Primary

Season 4 Episode 3: Sponsored by Music Crew https://www.musiccrew.co.uk [https://www.musiccrew.co.uk] In this episode, we explore how Rushmore Primary School in Hackney became the winner of the Outstanding School Music Department at the Music and Drama Education Awards 2026. We discuss the school’s ambitious and inclusive approach to music education, where more than half of pupils in Years 4–6 receive instrumental tuition and pupil premium funding removes every financial barrier; covering lessons, instrument maintenance, exam entries, and resources. Music leader Dafydd Williams shares the philosophy underpinning music across the school, from creating meaningful musical experiences through singing, listening, composition, and instrumental learning, to ensuring equity of access for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7 [https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7] Find us on socials: Instagram: @musicedsolution Facebook: Music Education Solutions Limited LinkedIn: Music Education Solutions

Their choral master comes and teaches Year 5 and 6 music: Sarah Hargreaves, Ribby with Wrea

Season 4 Episode 2: Sponsored by Starshine Music https://www.starshine.co.uk/ [https://www.starshine.co.uk/] In this episode, we explore how Ribby with Wrea Primary School in Lancashire has embedded partnership working to provide their pupils with a huge range of musical opportunities both within and beyond the school building - including the chance for KS2 boys to learn singing from a male choral specialist. Music leader Sarah Hargreaves shares the school’s vision for music, exploring both the curriculum and extra-curricular programme, as well as their role as a Lead School for music. Music Education Solutions is an education consultancy company dedicated to helping music teachers. Our philosophy is simple - we believe that music education is important, and should be delivered well! Join our mailing list here: https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7 [https://tinyurl.com/3vj3r5c7] Find us on socials: Instagram: @musicedsolution Facebook: Music Education Solutions Limited LinkedIn: Music Education Solutions