We’re inviting schools to get involved with the conversation about the future of music education in Lancashire.

Our youth voice programme, Amplify, is proud to present Equalize; a series of events for schools in March:

Wednesday 16th March, 10am – 12.30pm at Burnley Youth Theatre

Thursday 17th March, 10am – 12.30pm at UCLan, Preston

Friday 18th March, 10am – 12.30pm at Lancaster University

Back in November, our Youth Voice programme, Amplify, brought together young people with representatives from the music education sector to launch some brand new online content which inspired discussion and debate around four key areas:

-The “averageness” of music education

-What there is verses what there should be

-In person and online opportunities

-Career paths in music

We’d now like to share this with schools and hear what students (and music teachers) have to say about the future of musical opportunities, both in and out of school, in Lancashire. We invite you to debate the issues, ask questions, and collectively contribute to developing innovative ways to shape how music education could look in the future. We want to hear from you and your students about what works well and what we could do differently to support all young peoples’ music education.

The events are aimed at year 10 or above, with each school bringing a group of around 10 students. I’m sure you will have students in mind who would enjoy this opportunity – you might want to bring students who are engaged with music making in school but it would be good to also have representation from those who you know are making music independently out of school or at home.

We have limited capacity at these events – if you are interested in bringing a group please email cath.sewell@lancashire.gov.uk. Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis with some consideration given to having a mix of different types of schools represented.  We can support you with transport costs if required.

Lancashire Music Education Hub set up the Amplify programme in 2018 to ensure young people have a voice and can influence change at a strategic level. They have been working with partners More Music and Blaze Arts and this event is the culmination of 3 years work which has engaged young people across the county, including those who are not taking part in any formal music making activities.