Inspiration for music: a quality framework by young musicians at Belvue School

During the Rhapsody in Ealing project at Belvue School we have worked towards young musicians training each other and sharing skills. In doing so, I decided to share the Youth Music Quality Framework with them – both as a way to develop their own reflections, and hopefully to evaluate the project together when it finishes at the end of this school year.  In previous blog posts, I have described how I tend to find a few items upon which to focus for a session or term:

• http://www.drakemusic.org/blog/charles-matthews/developing-reflective-practice-and-collaboration-through-the-youth-music-quality-framework/
• http://www.drakemusic.org/blog/charles-matthews/using-the-youth-music-quality-framework-part-2-collaboration/

In a similar exercise, we highlighted parts that the young musicians felt would be important in their peer teaching sessions, and considered how they would rephrase them.

In a mixture of her own words and ideas taken directly from the original document, Daniella’s key points were:

The session must inspire others Staff and people need to know when others need support out of music In the session we need to make sure to find ways to help each individual when something is difficult for them We need to show how people can achieve in music The sessions must be able to support and help others progress through music and gain confidence In the sessions I would need to make sure to find ways to helps each individual when something is difficult for them If I was to teach others what I have already learnt to be able to support each person’s needs and I would show them how they can express their emotions through music Each individual will learn to express themselves through music in their own way and how to be able to understand feedback to help them improve

 

This quality framework poster is hanging in the music room in Belvue School, alongside the Youth Music version.  We’ve spoken about other ways we might be able to make this accessible, including pictures, video, or perhaps in musical form..

Daniella also decided to write a reflection on her own experiences as part of this exercise, which she asked to be included in this blog post:

I am inspired by music because when I play music I get the chance to let go of my past and I can let my feelings flow.  My music allows me to let go and also to help others to enjoy making music. Drake Music has given me the chance to follow my dreams, and help others to follow their own dreams, and turn them into a reality. When I play music I can put what I feel into it, and when I am feeling down, playing music helps me to relax and keep calm.