Plymouth Culture’s Post

It’s A-level results season, and the press has often referred to this cohort as having been “Covid kids”, i.e. having their exam-led education, self-confidence, social and personal development disrupted by the pandemic of 2020-22. Some of this cohort (your new students) will present with significantly more complex mental health issues than previous cohorts, and they’re about to join your programme. Are you ready to meet their varied learning needs? You are a professional musician, performer, creative, who moved into higher education teaching to work with young people who aspire to your artistic world of work. You are highly proficient at your artistic skill set, but are sometimes overwhelmed by the demands that the modern music conservatoire, drama school, or university makes of its teaching staff. How well equipped do you feel to engage with your students’ many and varied learning needs? Has your institution provided you with clear opportunities to build your confidence and knowledge in these areas? How anxious do you feel about this? This kind of work-related anxiety can undermine your self-confidence and even have you doubting your own artistic capabilities. You are not alone in feeling unsure: self-doubt amongst performing arts teachers in higher education is much more common than you might think. Talking it through with a non-judgemental other can really help. If any of this feels familiar to you and you want to talk it through, I would be happy to listen. I’m here when you are ready.

Unlocking Empathy and Resilience: How ABC of Opera Transforms Your Primary School Classroom Imagine a classroom where every child feels seen, inspired, and empowered to turn their challenges into strengths—ABC of Opera brings that vision to life. Our classical music storytelling workshops help develop resilience and empathy in your classrooms in a way few activities can. Through stories of historical opera figures who faced adversity and rose above it, we inspire students to connect with the experiences of others, gaining awareness into resilience and learning that it’s okay to persevere, even when things get tough. Having returned to Sark, where my initial idea for ABC of Opera was born, I’m reminded of the thousands of young learners who’ve found their unique voice in our workshops. With each student contributing to the “puzzle,” they don’t just learn music—they experience inclusion, courage, and self-expression. Recently, I had a truly heartwarming moment that reinforced why I’m so passionate about the work we do at ABC of Opera. While I was out shopping a young boy, now 13, stopped to thank me for the opera workshop he attended when he was just 9. It was a reminder of how deeply music and storytelling can resonate, leaving an impression long after the day itself is over. Our program of workshops empowers primary school teachers to guide students in expressing themselves fully, transforming the shy or hesitant into confident communicators. Are you ready to see how classical music storytelling could inspire empathy, resilience, and confidence in your primary school students? What unique voices could ABC of Opera help bring forward in your class? #EmpathyInEducation #ResilientStudents #ClassicalMusicInSchools #ArtsEducation

Unlocking Empathy and Resilience: How ABC of Opera Transforms Your Primary School Classroom Imagine a classroom where every child feels seen, inspired, and empowered to turn their challenges into strengths—ABC of Opera brings that vision to life. Our classical music storytelling workshops help develop resilience and empathy in your classrooms in a way few activities can. Through stories of historical opera figures who faced adversity and rose above it, we inspire students to connect with the experiences of others, gaining awareness into resilience and learning that it’s okay to persevere, even when things get tough. Having returned to Sark, where my initial idea for ABC of Opera was born, I’m reminded of the thousands of young learners who’ve found their unique voice in our workshops. With each student contributing to the “puzzle,” they don’t just learn music—they experience inclusion, courage, and self-expression. Recently, I had a truly heartwarming moment that reinforced why I’m so passionate about the work we do at ABC of Opera. While I was out shopping a young boy, now 13, stopped to thank me for the opera workshop he attended when he was just 9. It was a reminder of how deeply music and storytelling can resonate, leaving an impression long after the day itself is over. Our program of workshops empowers primary school teachers to guide students in expressing themselves fully, transforming the shy or hesitant into confident communicators. Are you ready to see how classical music storytelling could inspire empathy, resilience, and confidence in your primary school students? What unique voices could ABC of Opera help bring forward in your class? #EmpathyInEducation #ResilientStudents #ClassicalMusicInSchools #ArtsEducation

It takes perseverance to learn new skills. Last night two of my girls and I attended the Philadelphia Sinfonia, a youth orchestra in Philly, to see a friend play. This girl worked so hard to get to where she is today. I didn't know what to expect when we walked in, but I didn't expect a youth orchestra to be so GOOD! It reminded me of my days back in the Hutchinson Youth Symphony Orchestra as a teenager. Playing music as a part of a team is so much different than playing solo. I can't say that whatg we played was anywhere as in tune nor as precise as what the Philadelphia Sinfonia presented, but it taught me so much. It taught me how to work hard To break down a problem into bite-sized chunks Teamwork and leadership skills How to follow the leader (director) And how to persevere even when it's terribly hard. And then there is all the music experience, the coordination, positive moods, numeral connections, etc. It was invaluable. Being there brought up a conversation with my girls about whether music is a given talent or a learned skil. I think it can either and both. Some are born with an ear for music and excel at every musical endeavor they put their minds to. Others simply have a passion and a drive to learn music. Both require dedication and hard work. I can't say that I was born a musician. I was often teased because I couldn't clap on beat or come in on cue while singing...I have to REALLY work at it. But I loved it so much and poured my time and my heart into learning it. That dedication is what gave me college scholarships and invitations to schools, 1st chair in my little orchestra, and a love for music. Don't let your inexperience keep you from doing what you love. If it is something God has asked you to do, go for it with all your heart and the experience and skill will follow with hard work. What is something you have had to persevere in to learn? #perseverance #dedication #determinedtosucceed #growthmindset #skillbuilding

Bring Opera’s Magic to Your Primary School with Engaging, Inclusive Student Workshops Picture bringing the enchantment of opera to your primary school—ABC of Opera workshops offer an immersive, inclusive experience that lights up young imaginations and cultivates a passion for learning After an initial consultation, we’ll take care of the scheduling and details to create an immersive, curriculum-aligned journey that brings each child into the incredible world of opera, creativity, and learning. Our workshops guide students on a 500-year adventure, opening the classical music trunk to explore history, geography, language, and well-being through engaging and inclusive performance-led activities. Led by professional musicians, students engage in vocal and physical warm-ups, release their creativity with costumes and props, and even experience live music from a classical singer and accompanist. Included with the workshop is a Teachers Resource Pack—a tool designed to continue exploring opera’s rich sounds, characters, and stories in the classroom. The pack is full of activities that encourage communication, collaboration, and confidence in children as they embrace new ideas. At Albert Primary in Penarth, one pupil commented that an ABC of Opera workshop, “Made me feel calm, excited, happy, sad and relaxed. I learned that Beethoven was deaf, but he could still write music. I learnt that we can all be amazing.” How could your primary school students benefit from this unforgettable learning experience? #LifelongLearning #CreativeEducation #StudentEngagement #EmpoweredTeachers

The benefits of bringing arts education to your school are as follows… 🔑 You get to unlock students potential on a more grandeur scale beyond just STEM learning. 🔑 You get to cultivate the whole student, while providing more access to the arts through real time exposure. 🔑 The coolest kids are truly creatives, so you get to expand their horizons through music, music production, theatre, songwriting and more. 🔑 Professional Development activities are way more cool for your staff/network professionally or personally. 🔑 Everyone gets to join in! No stone unturned! Every student gets to partake in a specific discipline within the arts to cultivate them for their next level in life. #artsandculture #artseducation #chicagopublicschools #performingarts #steamlearning #multidisciplinary #communitydevelopment #youthdevelopment

I recently got certified in Improvisation from Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Established in 1880, Guildhall School of music and Drama is one of the UK's leading providers of lifelong learning in the performing arts, offering inspiring training for children, young people, adult learners, and creative and business professionals. I wanted to do something different this time to upskill myself, although non-academic this short course helped me learn about: 1. Principles of presenting yourself in a room full of people 2. Public speaking 3. Holding conversations.

The Importance of School Orchestras: Bridging Music and Community Discover the crucial role school orchestras play in nurturing talent and fostering community. Join us as we explore the differences between youth orchestras and school programs, highlighting the benefits of keeping music within the academic environment. #YouthOrchestras #SchoolPrograms #MusicEducation #CommunityEngagement #ArtsInSchools #OrchestraLife #MusicOpportunities #Educators #CulturalRichness #StudentSuccess

I am part of my local community choir and, this weekend, after months of rehearsals the Wing Singers performed not one but two concerts. Reflecting afterwards, I realised that there were many similarities between the role of our Musical Director (MD) and my job in Learning and Development (L&D). In both roles, the goal is to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and capable of contributing. Our MD expertly guides beginners with patience while allowing experienced singers to showcase their talents. Similarly, in L&D, I strive to develop programs that cater to both novices and seasoned professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and support. Another parallel is the importance of recognising and nurturing individual strengths. In the choir, each voice is unique and essential to the overall harmony. In the workplace, each employee’s skills and strengths contribute to the team’s success. Both roles require patience, empathy, and strategic planning to ensure everyone can shine. The value of this approach is immense. Whether in a choir or a corporate team, building a cohesive, motivated group committed to achieving collective goals is incredibly rewarding, and the power of unity and importance tailored support cannot be underestimated. The reward? A vibrant, dynamic community where everyone’s growth contributes to overall success - something any choir or business can only hope for. #Leadership #LearningAndDevelopment #CommunityBuilding #Teamwork #InclusiveGrowth

I started a Substack to easily share my thoughts on arts education. If you're interested in arts in education, particularly music education, take a few short minutes to check it out. I welcome your thoughts and am always up for a healthy discussion. This post explores a simple method of recruitment and retention in visual and performing arts classes. #artseducation #musiceducation #musick12 Link to the post: https://lnkd.in/eti5rzVT