ISM Looks to Inspiring Futures

9 January 2004

Inspiring Futures, a seminar for music educators devised by the Incorporated Society of Musicians, will take place on Saturday 20 March 2004 at the Regent Hall, near Oxford Circus, London W1.

Describing the themes of the seminar, Shirley Taylor, ISM Music in Education Section Warden for 2003-04, who will be chairing the day, says:

'Today's musicians in education face many challenges in a wide variety of settings. Never before have they been faced with such a range and diversity of need in their work. But they are responsible for the training of the musicians of tomorrow, and must develop their skills and resources to meet the future of music education in all its forms.

'This seminar is designed to help all musicians in education both face and create this future. It does not focus on any particular sector, but rather embraces a mix of music and cultures. The seminar aims to offer thought-provoking yet practical ideas and concrete suggestions for the way ahead. From classical to pop, from vocal to instrumental, from classroom activity to work with external partners, the presenters will chart ways forward into an inspiring musical future.'

Contributors include Nicolas Chisholm, headmaster of the Yehudi Menuhin School and chairman of the National Association of Music and Dance Schools, on working with the musically gifted; Paul Harris, teacher, writer and composer, on how to encourage pupils to play musically and expressively by 'using the right side of the brain'; Susan Digby, founder and principal of the Voices Foundation, who will explore the use of singing in the curriculum to develop musical thinking; Patrick Ainsworth, programme manager for performing arts at Fareham College, Hampshire, who will consider some of the pros and cons of the place of popular music in the educational establishment; and music animateur Hannah Conway, on how partnership projects between artists and schools can be a creative introduction to contemporary classical music, inspiring cross-curricular work and making connections for young people between their musical activities in and out of school.

The cost is £45 for ISM members and £60 for non-members. The closing date for bookings is Friday 5 March 2004. For details and booking forms, contact ISM Head Office, tel: 020 7629 4413, fax: 020 7408 1538, email: membership@ism.org.

Ends 01/2004

Note to Editors: The Incorporated Society of Musicians, founded in 1882, is the UK's professional body for musicians. It aims to promote the art of music and uphold the honour and interests of the musical profession by protecting the interests of musicians, raising professional standards, and providing legal advice and other benefits to its members. Its 5,000 members include performers, teachers, composers, conductors, organists, writers and others involved in professional musical work. The Music in Education Section is the specialist group for musicians linked to educational establishments in all areas of music education: it holds a conference or seminar each year on a topic of current interest.

Contact: Alison Pickard/Fiona MacLeod, tel: 020 7629 4413.