Music education charity Music Mark’s 2021 conference will take place on 2-3 December under the theme of Technology and Music Education.
In keeping with the post-pandemic mood, the event will be a hybrid of digital and live events coming from the Hilton Metropole in Brighton, UK, with the conference microsite being live from 26 November until the end of the year. The event sets itself a challenge, ‘How to harness the power of technology to support and enhance the work of a 21st century Music Education sector?’
Having learned much from its lockdown online conference last year, Music Mark is taking the best elements of the digital domain, including a virtual exhibition, videos on-demand and the wider reach of attracting delegates to attend virtually at lower cost.
The conference will be hosted by the singer and electronic sitarist, composer, producer and performer, BISHI, the founder of WITCiH, the Women in Technology Creative Industries Hub. In her keynote speech, she will be offering her unique perspective on technology and music education, and her advocacy for inclusivity and gender equality for women in tech and music.
Together with BISHI, two further keynote speakers will present at the conference: musician, educator and activist Warren Knight and technology entrepreneur Kris Halpin.
The conference will be an opportunity for anyone involved in music and education to interact with others through practical sessions, breakout groups, networking discussions, presentations and panels.
Topics to be discussed include Music and Emotional Literacy led by Dorset Music Hub, Collaboration over great distances facilitated by Soundtrap; Promoting race equality through music and storytelling led by Croydon Music and Arts and Hackney Music Service; and using cross-sector partnerships to provide quality orchestral resources for Key Stage 4 and 5 music students, led by Bath Philharmonia and Inspiring Music.
On-demand videos will also include how to create simple, free play-along videos and lessons in live streaming music events. The full conference programme can be found here.
Music Mark’s members include Local Authority Music Services and Hubs, teaching and support teams, schools, higher and further education bodies, industry partners and individuals. Its role is to advocate for a government-supported, high-quality, music education provision for all school-aged children and young people, addressing diversity, equity and inclusion at its core.
As its Chief Executive Bridget Whyte said, ‘Music Mark believes in the fundamental right to experience a high-quality music education for all children and young people, in and out of their schools.’
Full details of the conference can be found here.