Music Education Islington
Launched in October 2018, Music Education Islington (MEI) is a partnership of the leading providers of music education in the borough, led by Islington Council with Guildhall School of Music & Drama as the lead delivery partner.
It will enable the borough’s schools and pupils to make the most of world-class music education, resources and experiences through the Guildhall School, and be enriched by the Guildhall School’s creative alliance with the Barbican.
MEI seeks to ensure all children develop their music skills regardless of their background or attainment and is part of Islington Council’s commitment to a fairer Islington where young people learn and thrive.
MEI has two key priorities – to increase and widen access to music education for children and young people in the borough and ensure they have clear pathways to continue their musical development.
Guildhall School is the central contact point for delivery partners, schools, young people and their parents and carers.
MEI will provide all children and young people (aged 5 to 18) in the London Borough of Islington with:
- The opportunity to learn a musical instrument through whole-class ensemble teaching programmes for the a minimum of a term
- Clear and affordable progression routes
- The chance to sing regularly with choirs and other vocal ensembles in the area
- An instrument loan service, with discounts or free provision for those on low incomes
- Access to large scale high-quality music experiences, through Guildhall, Barbican and other partner organisations
MEI also offers continuous professional development (CPD) to schools to help them deliver music in the curriculum.
See the list of 2019 summer term CPD sessions (PDF).
Guildhall Young Artists Islington
Guildhall Young Artists (GYA) Islington is a music initiative aimed at improving the standard of music making for primary school children across the London Borough of Islington. Led by a team of teachers and artists from Guildhall School of Music & Drama, the programme provides affordable playing and performing opportunities throughout their school life. The programme particularly targets disadvantaged children and young people by removing the barriers that would prevent them from participating.
Based at City of London Academy Highbury Grove, GYA Islington offers 30 sessions a year after school on Wednesdays. Children receive instrumental group lessons, sing in the choir and play in ensembles. Each term culminates in a performance for friends, family and the wider community.
Summer Term Dates
Venue
City of London Academy Highbury Grove
8 Highbury Grove, Highbury East, London N5 2EQ
Time
3.30pm – 6pm
Dates
24 April
1, 8, 15, 22 May
29 May - Half term break - No Centre
5, 12, 19, 26 June
26 June – 5pm End of Year concert for friends, family and community.
Contacts
For more information on about Guildhall Young Artists Islington, please contact:
Guildhall Young Artists – Islington
Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Silk Street, Barbican,
London EC2Y 8DT
Spencer Down, Creative Director
Mirjam James, Programme Manager
Tel: 0203 771 7003
For general enquiries about Music Education Islington please contact: Musiceducation.Islington@gsmd.ac.uk
