Imagination is the source of every form of human achievement. And it's the one thing that I believe we are systematically jeopardizing in the way we educate our children and ourselves.
Sir Ken Robinson - British educationalist and campaigner for creativity in education
Asta#Plays in Education
There are two strains of education services provided by Asta#Plays - one to provide guidance to teachers and professionals, and one to teach music itself. If you can't find the information you require below, please get in touch.
Guidance for Professionals - Music Education Consultancy
Provision includes INSET sessions for music specialist and generalist staff, and Dalcroze taster sessions. Other training includes musical storytelling workshops, how to facilitate and get the most from musical play, and events management and logistics. Face to face bespoke training and consultancy, or online sessions are available.
Early Years Musical Provision
Set in nurseries and children's centres, as well as scheduled classes in the community for carers, babies, toddlers, and young children. Using holistic and age appropriate techniques, provision from Asta#Plays ensures the youngest members of your family and community can reap the benefits of an early introduction to music including exposure, musicality, social developments, and wellbeing.
Extra-curricular Activities
Musical after school or lunchtime clubs options include choirs, musical productions, string ensembles, bands, and orchestras. Have you also considered how an extra-curricular musical activity may benefit your staff body? This is an excellent way to ensure duty of care towards the mental health and general wellbeing of staff, but can also enhance cooperation and cohesion between colleagues.
SEMH
All children, but especially those with social, emotional and mental health needs, can benefit from taking part in the Drumbeatable programme. Alternatively, get in touch to discuss the therapeutic, cathartic, and behaviour regulation use of music in the classroom and school community.
Instrumental Lessons (Cello, Violin, Piano)
Beginner/intermediate violin and piano, cello to an advanced level - all ages welcome. Individual or group lessons available - in schools or privately within the central or wider Salisbury area. Students are at the heart of these, and not a focus on and "exam race", unless that is the wish of the learner. Using a wide and carefully selected repertoire and range of teaching techniques, students will study music holistically as well as instrument specific skills.
Musical Storytelling Projects - "Share a Soundventure" with Asta#Plays
Musical storytelling not only engages children in a different way with literature, but can also enhance pro social skills as well as early musicality. Based on empirical research, Asta#Plays can guide you in how to create this within your own setting, or devise bespoke sessions and resources for you based on your specification. If you have an idea you'd like to discuss, send a quick brief and we can chat.
More details...
Find more details below about education related services. If you require further information, please reach out with a request to play and I'll get back to you.
Guidance for Professionals - Music Education Consultancy
For generalists
I have been lucky enough to work all over the world as a music specialist in primary schools, and since returning to the UK I have made it one of my missions to provide assistance to primary school teachers who are tasked with delivering the curriculum in full. The lack of teacher training available to generalists teaching music is concerning. When resourced with the right tools, a quality and enjoyable music programme can be delivered even by those teachers in which delivering music may strike fear.
"Give a man a fish..." - I believe in equipping practitioners with relevant skills, empowering them to be competent facilitators of music education and NOT issuing a "quick fix" in terms of a ready made curriculum or similar. Guidance can be provided for developing or choosing a music curriculum, how to deliver music lessons musically with confidence, and how to effectively resource and manage the music classroom. I will convince you that we are ALL "musical" despite what you may have been led to believe. In addition, you can develop basic musical literacy skills which will aid you and your learners.
Who can this help?
🎵 Primary generalists
🎵 ECTs
🎵 Music leads
🎵 SLT
🎵 Assembly hosts
🎵 School events organisers (how to successfully put a concert together)
Sessions may take any of the following forms (or other - whatever suits you!):
🎵 Staff INSET
🎵 One to one sessions (e.g. music lead)
🎵 Twilight sessions
🎵 A course of sessions or one off (online or face to face)
🎵 Observations and feedback
🎵 Written resources and plans
For specialists
Specialist music teachers are often incredibly skilled in specific areas, but I know for a fact are still always on the look out for an enriching PD experience which can close any gaps in their knowledge or practice. This includes myself (of course!), but areas in which I specialise are listed below. If anyone from your music department, including peripatetic teachers, primary or secondary music specialists, or events organisers need a little support, please reach out.
🎵 Dalcroze taster workshops (a holistic and creative approach to musical learning with an emphasis on movement and music, improvisation, and integrated aural training - suitable for all levels of learners)
🎵 Delivering instrumental programmes to larger groups of learners (particularly useful for peripatetic teachers who may be more used to 1-1 tuition or rehearsal scenarios)
🎵 Events logistics (consultancy in how to schedule rehearsals, obtain the help you need from the wider community, ticketing, and practical set up/logistics for concerts and shows)
Early Years Musical Provision
Music training for practitioners
As en early years music specialist, I acknowledge that generally, early years practitioners utilise music in the day to day very well. I have seen routine and transition songs used well, and an array of free choice options for children to experiment with on offer in nurseries, EYFS departments and children's centres. However, if you want to elevate your practice then consider a training session for staff in one of the following areas:
🎵 Musical free flow - get the most out of your equipment, delivery, and assessment. How to put children at the centre of the activities whilst understanding their musical development and how to deliver an enriching and meaningful experience
🎵 Musical story telling - learn how to add another layer to story time incorporating social cohesion, development of prosocial skills, and providing a bonus bit of musical learning
🎵 Assessment - using the whole spectrum of the seventeen Early Learning Goals and working to the statutory framework for EYFS, develop a broader understanding of how to incorporate and assess music across every day
Music lessons for babies - young children
Formal and informal learning are both vital in the overall development of musical skills. Get in touch if you would like an early years music specialist (full QTS) to come and deliver a slightly more formal music session each week. Based on principles embedded in the psychology of early development, and the pedagogical aspects of Kodaly and Dalcroze, your little ones will be off to a great musical start by taking part in regular sessions.
Activities and objectives include:
🎵 Vocal experimentation and control, including sound production and singing - leading to refined pitching ability and enhanced speech and language ability
🎵 Exposure to a variety of live instruments and sounds - focused listening or even general exposure develops understanding of the world and curiosity
🎵 Playing age appropriate instruments - develops motor skills and allows children to explore materials and sounds
🎵 Playing games which encourage turn taking, develop confidence, and build listening and awareness skills, whilst embedding basic musical concepts such as sense of beat, fast/slow, loud/quiet
🎵 Social engagement through body percussion, paired activities, circle games, and shared intention
🎵 Responding to music, developing motor skills, sequential memory, and aural awareness skills
🎵 Themed sessions which can reiterate learning from other areas of the curriculum or which build on knowledge and understanding of relevant festivals/seasons etc
For carers and babies/young children
For parents and carers who have their children at home with them, you can attend sessions which take place in the Salisbury area during the week. Sessions include the same activities and goals as the provision for nursery sessions (see above), but because these take place out in the community they are a great way of getting along to a weekly event where your youngsters can learn social skills alongside you. You get to meet other carers and have some fun yourself, too! More information including times, locations and price can be found on the blog page Playing#Around. If you have a venue or area in mind, I'd love to hear from you and let's see what we can make happen!
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular for children
If your school would like to offer even more musical opportunities, but perhaps doesn't have available staff, or maybe lacks staff with the right expertise or confidence to deliver in house, Asta#Plays can help. If you need someone with extensive experience in leading and coordinating both Primary and Secondary ensembles, please get in touch.
🎵 Choirs
🎵 String ensembles
🎵 Rock bands
🎵 Orchestras and larger ensembles
🎵 Percussion groups/drumming circles
🎵 Production ensembles
🎵 Whole school singing assemblies
🎵 General assistance
Rates typically start around £50/hr - please contact for further discussion.
Adult extra-curricular
A huge amount of research had been conducted which demonstrates not only the physiological benefits of singing (including boosted immune systems and improved respiratory functioning), but also the psychological and community ones. Investing in your staff by offering a musical opportunity such as a staff choir, drumming circle, or percussion group could be a real game changer for everyone - instead of just working all day together, try playing! Alternatively, parents and carers may be calling out for something similar - we can work towards an event such as a school concert, or just meet for fun at regular intervals. There is also nothing like it to model a healthy attitude to life long learning and group participations to your students. Get in touch with any questions you may have.
Here are some links to get you started on further reading:
SEMH
Drumbeatable Programme
The Drumbeatable programme has been developed by Mike Simpson of the multi award winning Inspire-Works Global. The programme values process over product, and through group drumming activities aims to improve social and emotional resilience. During an era in which mental health issues are rising amongst children and young people, it is imperative that we as educators, role models, and facilitators address this. Research in neuroscience has shown that taking part in group drumming can:
🎵 Reduce anxiety
🎵 Boost the immune system
🎵 Raise dopamine levels
🎵 Reduce challenging behaviour
🎵 Improve Mood
🎵 Reduce feelings of isolation
🎵 Reduce restlessness and over activity
🎵 Increase empathy
🎵 Improve self worth
🎵 Promote positive risk taking behaviours
🎵 Help with change or transition
Sessions follow a tried and tested routine but can and should be adapted according to the needs of the group. It may be appropriate in your setting to offer the programme to specific identified individuals, or to open it as an option for anyone who feels they may benefit. The programme is designed to run as a course, rather than one off sessions.
Read this article in Music Teacher Magazine to learn more, and reach out if you're interested in introducing the programme in your setting.
Another excellent resource for learning more about the benefits of musical participation for mental health and wellbeing is the Sing Up Foundation.
Music use as part of the school community
Music can be enormously powerful in shaping identity, embracing and promoting diversity, and as an emotional or behaviour regulation tool. If you would like to discuss how you can tap into this power everyday, and how simple habits like compiling class playlists, listening to music in communal areas, or even choosing/writing a school song can enhance your school community, then send me a game plan and I'll be delighted to join in and explore the opportunities available to you.
Instrumental Lessons
Cello lessons
As a first study cellist with a performance degree from RWCMD, and a teaching diploma from ABRSM, I will expertly guide student cellists through from their very first lesson (be they 4 or 40 years old!), to advanced grades or university. Full DBS and safeguarding certificates can be shared on request. Lessons can be delivered as 1-1 or group lessons.
Lessons are typically £40/hr - get in touch for information on discounts for taster sessions and package deals, as well as variations which may reflect additional travel costs or additional preparation/administration time.
Violin, piano, music theory lessons
For beginner level to intermediate students, violin, piano, and music theory are also available as 1-1 or small group lessons.
Lessons are typically £40/hr - get in touch for information on discounts for taster sessions and package deals, as well as variations which may reflect additional travel costs or additional preparation/administration time.
First Access and School Music
As an experienced teacher with QTS, as well as qualifications in string teaching from the University of Manchester and Royal Northern College of Music, when delivering First Access programmes I am able to provide a deeper level of learning than some teachers who specialise in instrumental teaching per se. Having an understanding of the music curriculum over all, and expertise in Dalcroze, I ensure lessons are engaging, meaningful, and focus on musical development and enjoyment rather than a fast fix or box ticking exercise. For me, one of the greatest pleasures of creating music is ensemble playing, and I aspire to share this joy and all the benefits of the unique act of playing together (including transferable skills) far and wide. If your school is looking to introduce or broaden a strings First Access programme, please get in touch and see how Asta#Plays can support your students and/or teaching team.
Musical Storytelling - "Share a Soundventure"
"Share a Soundventure" with Asta#Plays workshops
During my research study into the impact of entrainment (essentially "sychronisation") on the development of prosocial behaviours in young children, I designed musically engaging, interactive storytelling sessions for participants. Based on traditional fairytales, I created a delivery which incorporated musical aspects, and provided the children the opportunity to play, listen, and respond in unison. The full spectrum of movement and music entrainment interventions proved to be fundamental in increasing the sharing capacity demonstrated by the children.
Developing the skills to be able to deliver stories musically equips teachers, practitioners and caregivers to provide alternative and playful routes into enjoying and exploring stories with children. You don't need to view yourself as a "musically talented" human being to achieve this - you just need a little guidance and support. I would be delighted to provide this. This "talent" is available to absolutely anyone who is happy to invest a bit of time to practice, and can be adapted to pretty much any story you want to bring to life.
For more information about delivery of Share a Soundventure workshops including benefits, options, and pricing, please send me a message.
Bespoke Share a Soundventure with Asta#Plays service
If the idea of musical storytelling appeals to you, but you simply don't have the time or inclination to embark on training at the moment, then I can produce materials for you to take away and use with your audience instead! Get in touch with a brief specification (story, general intention, age group), and I'll work with you to create a personal resource pack including activity instructions, specially composed songs, and a script. All services are bespoke, and cost will vary depending on requirements.
Asta#Plays Inspiration: Sir Ken Robinson
The late Sir Ken was an advocate for creativity in education systems, promoting the power and importance of imagination and finding flow in one's "element". You can watch his talks on Youtube and TED.com.
The Ken Robinson Foundation is committed to archiving his work, developing initiatives, and advocating for a more creative, individual-centered approach to education, moving away from conformity and standardization.
