Musical Futures
Musical Futures is a music education program for children and youths that was started in the United Kingdom in 2003 by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, It is now an international program.
Background
Musical Futures was initially designed to benefit secondary school students, with a particular focus on 12–14 year olds, as this has long been an age at which students seem to lose interest in music learning in school. However, teachers in primary and tertiary education have adopted Musical Futures approaches. These approaches have also been tailored for students with special educational needs, or in Young Offenders Institutes and Pupil Referral Units.
After inviting applications from local music education providers, the foundation commissioned three Pathfinder Local Authority Music Services – in Leeds, Nottingham and Hertfordshire - to start programs in their areas.
Learning models
Informal learning in the music classroom
Lucy Green, the Institute of Education and Hertfordshire Music Service developed a self-directed, independent learning music education program. Students work in small groups on a series of musical tasks. This draws on the real-life learning practices of professional musicians,
Whole curriculum approach
Nottingham City Music Service developed a program for Year 7-8 students. It puts the students in real musical activities and environments. It aims to draw together practice from classroom, instrumental and extra-curricular music into an integrated package for students.
Personalising extra-curricular learning
Education Leeds Artforms created a program to help young people to make choices about the music they engage with beyond the classroom.
NUMU
NUMU was a safe online community for young people to showcase their music; collaborate, compete and develop their talent. Schools could join NUMU and establish their own school record label, and enable their students to create an online portfolio of work.