Hundreds of primary school children in Merton will be taught to play a melodica from scratch in a pioneering programme set to revolutionise how music is taught across the borough.
The London Borough of Merton has invested £250,000 into Mini Musicians which aims to use the joy of making music to improve children’s social development, following the isolation of the pandemic, in partnership with the charity Merton Music Foundation.
More than 650 pupils in 10 primary schools across the borough are taking part in the programme, which will run until July 2025.
The classes begin with a focus on general musicianship, incorporating singing, body percussion, followed by the introduction of various instruments, including chime bars, claves, and glockenspiels.
Year 1 students will eventually move on to learning the melodica, which will teach them breathing techniques and keyboard skills, acting as a basis to learn almost any musical instrument.
The 1st cohort of Year 1 pupils will also work towards an Awards and Certificates in Musical Development, a nationally recognised qualification from Trinity College London.
Their progress will be followed by a study by academics at the University of Roehampton who will evaluate the broader impact on both children’s social development and academic attainment.
The younger children in the cohort of four to seven-year-olds were born during the pandemic. Being isolated from other children during the COVID-19 lockdowns and national restrictions has had an impact on the language development of some children.
Inclusive lesson plans and interactive resources for all abilities are being provided by by Merton Music Foundation, using interactive songs and resources from Sing Up, ensuring that every child, including those with special educational needs or disabilities, can take part and succeed.
A comprehensive training programme for educators runs parallel to the initiative, ensuring that teachers can help pupils get the most out of playing music. A resource bank of songs and lesson plans will be created as part of the pilot project.
Council Leader, Councillor Ross Garrod, said: “Our Mini Musicians pilot is set to transform the way music is taught across the country by showing the impact and benefit of music on children’s development. Learning to play instruments can be a lifelong hobby, as well as helping children to reach their potential in a range of other subjects. Having benefited from the work of Merton Music Foundation when I attended Rutlish High School and was learning to play the clarinet, I am delighted that they have worked with us to develop this exciting project.”
Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Councillor Sally Kenny, said: “Making music is a way that children of all abilities can be creative and express themselves. This is especially important after the pandemic, when many missed out on the interaction with their young friends which is so essential for their early development.”
David Rees, Senior Leader at Merton Music Foundation, said: “Music has a unique power to engage with every part of a child’s development, physically, academically, and emotionally. The earlier children are introduced to high quality musical activities, the more profound an impact it can have. We are delighted to be working on this exciting programme for the young people of Merton.”