Last week, Inspiring Music was delighted to be part of a special Benedetti Foundation Residency with the BLMK Music Hub (Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes). Across three inspiring events, the residency brought together pupils, teachers and young musicians to share high‑quality musical experiences led by world‑class practitioners.
The residency was designed to inspire participation, creativity and confidence in music, while strengthening connections across schools, teachers and young performers in the region.
Inspiring Primary School Workshops
The residency began with a day of school workshops on 20 April, delivered at Maple Tree Primary (Sandy), Clophill St Mary’s and Marston Moreteyne School.
Pupils took part in lively, inclusive sessions led by Alis Huws (former Official Harpist to the Prince of Wales) and Patrick King (Co‑Principal Timpani, London Symphony Orchestra), supported by Inspiring Music’s own team. Children explored rhythm, pitch and melody through hands‑on music‑making and responded with huge enthusiasm.
The contrasting sounds of harp and percussion sparked curiosity and excitement, making the day both memorable and inspiring for pupils and staff alike.
Professional Development for Teachers
On 22 April, the residency continued with a teacher workshop, hosted by Bedford Modern School. Teachers from across all four Music Hub areas came together for a practical and creative session packed with ideas to support music‑making in schools.
Alis and Patrick shared accessible approaches to classroom music, including creative activities, listening and composing ideas, and strategies for enabling confident music‑making with limited resources. The workshop was warmly received, with participants leaving inspired and equipped with new ideas to take back into their classrooms.
A Celebratory Strings Day
The residency concluded on 24 April with a vibrant Strings Day at Challney High School for Boys, bringing together young string players from across the BLMK area.
Led by Rachel Cooper, the day was filled with energetic, imaginative music‑making. From beginners to Grade 2 players, everyone was encouraged to explore sound, movement and ensemble playing in ways that built confidence and musical identity. Creative work prepared by the children beforehand — including poems, drawings and collages — was celebrated as part of the day.
The sunshine and shared lunchtime helped friendships flourish, and the experience ended with a joyful concert for families, where every young musician had the chance to shine.
A Lasting Impact
The Benedetti Foundation Residency was a powerful celebration of music’s ability to connect, inspire and transform. By bringing together pupils, teachers and professional musicians, the week created lasting musical memories and strengthened musical pathways across the BLMK Music Hub region.
Inspiring Music is proud to have been part of this uplifting collaboration and looks forward to building on the inspiration it has sparked.