Introduction
In this episode, I talk with Clair McColl (Strategic Lead at Dorset Music Service), Pili Lopez (Inclusion Project Manager at Dorset Music Service) and Tenley Martin (Senior Lecturer in Music Performance at Leeds Beckett University). We discuss how they’ve developed a music and wellbeing training programme for primary school staff – specifically Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs) – to holistically support children’s emotional health and learning. It’s a great example of a music service working in partnerships, and thinking creatively about how to increase access to music and raise awareness of its value – and with a developing evidence base behind it.
You can listen now below, or on Spotify (search for the name) and iTunes or your favourite podcast app.
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What’s in this episode?
We talk about:
- how Dorset Music Service’s inclusion strategy evolved over seven years, including the influence of trauma-informed practitioner Nigel Osborne
- what ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) do in schools, and why Dorset Music Service decided to work with them
- the MATES emotional regulation model, and how Dorset Music Service connects its five ‘keys’ to practical music activities
- how the partnership with Leeds Beckett University developed, and the theory of change underpinning the programme
- the challenges of evaluation, and how the educational psychology team has become a key ally
- three calls to action – including Claire’s unforgettable closing advice to “just unclench and enjoy”
Links for this episode
- Dorset Music Service free music and wellbeing online resource – including information about MATES from Dr Roby Abeles and Salene Souza
- Dorset Music Service training for ELSAs
NB: The programme was originally and is currently named ‘Music in citizenship’ because citizenship is essentially about belonging and self-determination. Combining music and wellbeing acts as as a powerful tool for social inclusion, emotional regulation, intrinsic motivation and therefore the development of active citizenship through cognitive and critical skills, social and interpersonal skills, and practical and civic skills.
- Leeds Beckett University – Tenley Martin
- Professor Nigel Osborne Wikipedia
- Changing Tracks – the programme has ended but there are videos on the Changing Tracks YouTube and some information from the programme on the Changing Tracks section of the Hertfordshire Music Service website
- Live Music Now AHRC-funded project exploring music work in autism bases
Read the transcript of this podcast
About the music for education & wellbeing podcast
Listen in each month to get ideas, inspiration and practical advice from people involved in music education, community music, music therapy and more. Learn how you might break down barriers to music, through communications, advocacy and inclusive practice.
The music for the podcast was created by Otis Hynds, a young person working with Noise Solution.
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