First Things Music

Who is it for?

First Thing Music is a progressive CPD programme for EYFS and KS1 classroom teachers with no previous musical experience. It is designed to develop the skills to teach classroom music with confidence, based on 15 minutes’ music-making daily. The new Model Music Curriculum outlines what music concepts should be taught at each stage; First Thing Music develops the skills to know how to teach them.

About the programme

Using well-established music pedagogy, the programme provides live virtual learning across five sequential modules. These modules cover the core musical concepts of beat, rhythm and pitch.

What is included?

  • 25 carefully structured 30-minute tutorial sessions, delivered as five modules each lasting five sessions

  • An additional 2.5 hours of contact time, format to be confirmed pending COVID restrictions

  • Access to online resources including a song bank, audio/video recordings and documents explaining the pedagogy

  • The option for a specialist tutor to deliver up to 3 model lessons in participating classrooms (at an additional cost)

 Teachers who complete the course earn points towards the British Kodály Academy’s Foundation Certificate in Primary Music Education. Find more information about the programme at www.firstthingmusic.co.uk

Benefits to your school

  • Builds teachers' confidence to teach the music curriculum

  • Strengthens inhouse music teaching resources

  • Builds a community of practice within and between schools

  • Integrates music development into all aspects of student learning

  • Supports pupil wellbeing and inclusion

  • Positive effect on dispositions for learning: focus, listening, concentration, excitement

How long does it take?

Running across one academic year, the programme consists of 5 modules each lasting 5 weeks.  For each participant it incorporates:

  • Weekly 30-minute online tutorials

  • 15 minutes of prep work in advance of each tutorial

  • ‘Homework’ to put the teachers’ learning into practice in the classroom

How much does it cost?

  • One year group (FS2, Year 1 or Year 2) - £1,500

  • Cost includes two to six participants from one year group

  • Schools can partner up with others in the area to share costs and train their whole FS2 and KS1 team for the price of a single programme

How to book?

Email inspiring.music@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk to discuss and book. Taster sessions are also available.

Testimonials

First Thing Music has been a great experience. I have enjoyed extending my knowledge of music. I now feel more confident to teach the children and love my new range of songs.

 It has been great for the children. The programme is so inclusive it means all children are able to access no matter their ability. I have seen their confidence build as they learn more songs. Quieter children are now able and willing to sing parts of the songs independently. The children are engaged and enjoy singing the songs and playing the games attached.

Reception Teacher, Tithe Farm Primary School

Learning the songs have increased my confidence in teaching music and I feel it has made me better equipped to teach songs in a consistent manner.  Doing the meetings with Hilary and then going into school the next day ready to teach a new song has made many mornings the highlight of the day; not just for me, but for the children.

The children are benefitting from doing our daily sessions, as they have really bonded over their love of doing the different songs”.  

Teacher, Tithe Farm Primary School