Before lockdown, the teachers of Cumbria County Council’s Cumbria Music Service were visiting 146 schools throughout Cumbria, travelling 2,800 miles each week to teach over 5,300 children and young people to play an instrument and develop their musical skills.
With a huge choice of instruments – ukuleles to euphoniums, cellos to clarinets – CMS inspires children and young people to develop a love of music through lessons in school for small groups at every stage and whole Primary classes learning an instrument and singing together.
Simon Yeo, Head of Cumbria Music Service said: “When school closure looked likely in March, we knew our teaching visits would have to stop, and began exploring options to continue music lessons. We spent several weeks investigating the technology and resources that were available, learning new skills and creating digital resources, so that when the Summer Term started we were ready to offer a safe online environment to continue teaching.
“Students can now to carry on their lessons through live group and one-to-one video lessons, specially created video tutorials and shared resources on Google Classroom and award-winning music education platform Charanga. @CumbriaMusicHub is sharing resources and lockdown recordings on social media.”
“We don’t know when our teachers will be able to return to their pre-lockdown school activities, or when groups will be able to make music together face-to-face, so we’re continuing to create new resources and online opportunities that will support teachers and pupils as they start the return to school.”
It’s not just about keeping young people motivated to play at home. The video contact with their music teacher helps children and families to feel connected during lockdown, and music has a major role in supporting well-being and mental health.
Teachers in schools have shared their appreciation. Mrs Stewart from Stanwix Primary School said: “Being able to continue instrumental tuition via Microsoft Teams has been a fantastic way of keeping children on track with their learning, as well as providing much needed interaction with other people. It’s given the children the impetus to pick up their instruments and play, boosting their confidence and lifting their spirits during lockdown. Cumbria Music Hub staff have worked so hard to make this happen, thank you!”
Mr Mason at Pennine Way School wrote; “The support from the Cumbria Music Service is fantastic and the online lessons are providing children with a wonderful opportunity to continue their learning of playing the violin. This support is making a genuine difference to the musical education of children that they wouldn’t otherwise receive during these troubled times.”
Parents have also been keen to share their thanks. Oliver’s mum wrote; “Thanks so much for the lesson, it really was great! … a little routine amongst everything, and the chance to see what goes on and be more involved as a parent was a joy.” Lily’s mum shared “Lily’s mood changed after seeing her teacher Mrs. Kenyon who I know she misses. She was much happier and got a lot out of the lesson; feeling like she had achieved something. I enjoyed listening to the lesson too.”
Simon Yeo added: “So far over 350 young musicians have signed up for weekly video lessons online, and we’re supporting over 8,000 children in Cumbria through the Charanga YUMU online learning space. It’s great to know we’re still connected and to have seen so much music making at home in Lockdown.”
Online lessons are accessible at no cost throughout the Summer Term for all students who are continuing their musical learning with CMS and parents can sign up at www.cumbriamusicservice.co.uk
