Striking a Chord: How to Make Wider Music Provision Work for Your School

Music isn’t just for the music room anymore. It’s a superpower that can enhance learning, boost confidence, and unite your school community. For schools unfamiliar with wider music provision, the journey might seem like a challenge. But with the right approach, you can seamlessly integrate music into your curriculum and culture—and Sing Education is here to help!

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Music isn’t just for the music room anymore. It’s a superpower that can enhance learning, boost confidence, and unite your school community. For schools unfamiliar with wider music provision, the journey might seem like a challenge. But with the right approach, you can seamlessly integrate music into your curriculum and culture—and Sing Education is here to help!

 

What Is Wider Music Provision?

Wider music provision refers to musical activities that go beyond the standard classroom curriculum. Think school choirs, instrumental lessons, after-school clubs, and cross-curricular music projects. It’s all about expanding access to music in creative ways, so every student has a chance to find their rhythm.

 

Why Does Wider Music Matter?

1. Unlock Academic Potential

Research shows that music enhances cognitive development and academic performance. “Students who engage in musical training often show improved memory, reasoning, and problem-solving skills,” says Dr. Emily Carter, a music education expert. This means music doesn’t just teach students to play an instrument; it helps them ace their maths tests too!

2. Build Mental Resilience

Music also has powerful mental health benefits. A recent study highlighted by Tucasi found that students participating in music clubs experienced reduced stress and improved emotional well-being. Whether it’s drumming away frustrations or finding solace in song, music gives kids a healthy way to process emotions.

3. Create a Positive School Culture

Music brings people together. A lively singing assembly or a collaborative choir practice can foster connection, empathy, and teamwork. According to Safe Supportive Learning, “Schools with active music programs report stronger student relationships and a greater sense of community.”

Click to see our Top 20 Singing Assembly Songs from 2024
Two school children are playing string instruments in the playground
A saxophone is in the foreground. In the background other instruments are being played. The lights are bold and colourful showing us they are performing on stage

How to Get Started: Building Your Music Ecosystem

Step 1: Start with What You Have

Take stock of your resources. Do you have a piano gathering dust in the hall? A staff member with a hidden talent for guitar? Use what’s already available to kickstart your program.

Case Study: St. Mary’s Primary School in Manchester turned its unused instruments into a thriving after-school music club. With minimal investment, the club grew into a full orchestra within two years!

Step 2: Introduce Singing Assemblies

A singing assembly is a perfect gateway into wider music provision. It’s low-cost, high-energy, and brings the entire school together. Sing Education’s singing assemblies provide expertly led sessions that get students moving, singing, and smiling.

Step 3: Encourage Extracurriculars

Start small with lunchtime or after-school clubs. Choirs, ukulele groups, or even a beatboxing club can ignite students’ enthusiasm. As interest grows, expand to include one-to-one or small-group instrumental lessons.

Step 4: Go Cross-Curricular

Music doesn’t have to live in isolation. Try blending it with other subjects to make learning more dynamic. For instance:

  • Use percussion to teach fractions in maths.
  • Write a class song about ecosystems in science.
  • Set historical events to music in history class.

The Musical Me website shares an inspiring example: a Year 6 class used drumming patterns to memorise key dates for their history exam—an innovative approach that led to better retention and higher engagement.

Step 5: Host Performances and Events

Showcase your students’ talents with termly concerts or community performances. These events build confidence and allow parents to see the impact of your music program firsthand.

Case Study: At Greenfield Academy, a school musical brought together over 100 students from various year groups, transforming shy individuals into show-stopping performers.

Click to see our Top 20 Singing Assembly Songs from 2024

Overcoming Common Challenges

“We Don’t Have the Budget.”

No worries! Partner with local businesses, seek grants or use resources like the World Music Day website for fundraising ideas. Many schools start with free or low-cost activities, such as acapella singing or body percussion.

“Our Teachers Aren’t Musicians.”

Sing Education’s team of music specialists can deliver expert-led lessons, clubs, and instrumental tuition. Whether it’s a vibrant singing assembly or tailored one-to-one lessons, we handle the heavy lifting so your staff can focus on their core teaching.

“We’re Short on Time.”

Wider music provision doesn’t have to consume the timetable. Start with bite-sized sessions that fit into lunch breaks or assembly slots. Once momentum builds, extend the program gradually.

 

Click to see our Top 20 Singing Assembly Songs from 2024
A post it note with a drawing of a lightbulb is pinned to a cork board
A row of children wearing a blue uniform are smiling and singing. One child is looking directly at the camera and smiling

How Sing Education Can Help

At Sing Education, we specialise in integrating music seamlessly into your school. Here’s what we offer:

  • Singing Assemblies: High-energy, curriculum-linked sessions that unite your school in song.
  • Clubs & Choirs: From lunchtime choirs to after-school bands, we create opportunities for students to shine.
  • Instrumental Learning: One-to-one or small-group lessons tailored to student needs.
  • Curriculum Integration: Our programs align with your school’s objectives, ensuring music enhances, rather than disrupts, your teaching schedule.

What Schools Are Saying

“I was looking for high-quality music provision which would be exciting and stimulating for the children. I was captivated by this company’s ethos and passion for music learning.” – Dr Darren Jones | Head, Southfield Primary School

“Music in our school is special because of this amazing programme. Music is an integral part of the fabric of our school and our children love to make music and feel confident and proud to sing out loud.” – Ellie Douthwaite | Head, St Clement & St James

 

Click to see our Top 20 Singing Assembly Songs from 2024

Ready to Make Music?

Wider music provision can revolutionise your school’s culture, learning outcomes, and community spirit. Start small, dream big, and let Sing Education support you every step of the way.

So, why wait? Whether it’s a singing assembly or a full-scale music program, the first note is yours to strike!

 

To learn more about Sing Education, including how our curricular provision, 1:1 and small group instrumental lessons plus at home music learning resources contribute to a well-rounded music programme, please visit www.singeducation.co.uk/schools

Click to download our “Top 20 Songs for Singing Assembly and Choir from 2024”

Click to see our Top 20 Singing Assembly Songs from 2024

About Us

Founded in 2014 and serving more than 16,000 children each week, Sing Education is a first class provider of primary school music education. Focusing on high-quality, singing-led tuition, we deliver a complete solution for schools which includes teacher recruitment, training and management, bespoke curricular resources and educational consultancy services. 

Through music lessons, singing assemblies, choirs, after school clubs and instrumental tuition, Sing Education works with students from Nursery right through to Year 6. Our core philosophy is that “Every Child Has A Voice,” and, as educators active in the classroom, our directors and teachers know firsthand how much young learners benefit from exciting, rewarding music education. 

Sing Education currently partners with schools throughout Greater London and Kent, as well as Yorkshire and the Humber. 

Not yet on the list? Please enquire about our expansion plans for additional areas we will serve during the 2023-24 academic year.

singeducation.co.uk/schools

#SingEducation #HubsAndSpokes #InsideMusicEd

 

Sources:

  1. The Guardian:
    “Banging the drum for music education: How the UK is nurturing school orchestras”
    Link: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/jan/05/banging-drum-music-education-uk-school-run-orchestra
  2. World Music Day:
    “Integrating Music into the Primary/Elementary Curriculum”
    Link: https://worldmusicday.co.uk/integrating-music-into-the-primary-elementary-curriculum/
  3. The Musical Me:
    “Using Music to Enhance Learning in Other Subjects”
    Link: https://themusicalme.com/using-music-to-enhance-learning-in-other-subjects/
  4. Safe Supportive Learning:
    “How Does Music Benefit Your Classroom or School Community Most?”
    Link: https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/voices-field/how-does-music-benefit-your-classroom-or-school-community-most
  5. La Paloma Project:
    “The Role and Importance of Music Clubs in Schools”
    Link: https://www.lapalomaproject.com/the-role-and-importance-of-music-clubs-in-schools
  6. Tucasi:
    “School Music Club Improves Mental Health”
    Link: https://www.tucasi.com/school-music-club-improves-mental-health/

about the author

Articles by this Author

Workshop performances allow children to share their passion for music with the wider school community and develop their skills mastery and learning progression.
We believe music should be a central, pulsating part of your school’s culture, not just a subject tucked away on the timetable. So, is your music program a chart-topper, or could it use a remix to get everyone’s toes tapping?
Services we provide to support SEND teaching and learning vary from team training sessions with SENDCo’s, specialised support in class and training for staff.

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