The life and work of Ethel Smyth: a trailblazer for women

Posted on 14th April 2023 at 12:27

Photo credit: George Grantham Bain Collection (Library of Congress), restored by Adam Cuerden

22nd April 2023 sees the 165th anniversary of the birth of Dame Ethel Smyth. Smyth is perhaps best known as the composer of the March of the Women, which became the anthem of the Women's Social and Political Union, part of the Suffragette movement.

She was a radical, outspoken character who was not afraid to go against the grain – openly bisexual in a period where society was far from accepting, and battling to gain recognition as a female composer in a profession dominated by men.

In Praise of Music Education in Primary Schools

Posted on 31st March 2023 at 14:53

This month, we hear from Nat Dye, music leader at Newham’s Nelson Primary School, which recently scooped a national award for its outstanding music provision. Nat, who alongside his role is also a youth ensemble leader, conductor and band leader, trombonist, composer and arranger, and performing jazz musician, argues the case for bringing music specialists into schools.

Rachmaninoff at 150: the pianists’ composer

Posted on 16th March 2023 at 12:52

Sergei Rachmaninoff in 1921. Source: Wikimedia Commons (Kubey-Rembrandt Studios, Philadephia, Pennsylvania)

This year sees the 150th anniversary of the birth of renowned pianist and composer Rachmaninoff, whose music has divided opinion yet remained popular for many decades. We take a look at his life and work, and ask what has made his compositions – which are renowned for being challenging to play – so successful with audiences around the world.

Play time: the benefit of music in schools

Posted on 28th February 2023 at 12:22

This month, we hear from PPL PRS, the organisation behind TheMusicLicence – a key factor in allowing schools to play recorded music.

They explore the impact music can have for children’s development, and tell us why TheMusicLicence is so important for schools and musicians alike.

Celebrating The Dark Side of the Moon – a 50-year legacy

Posted on 15th February 2023 at 15:46

Photo by KarleHorn - source: Wikimedia Commons

On 1 March 1973, Pink Floyd firmly cemented their place in music history when they released The Dark Side of the Moon. It was an introspective concept album that was also technically ambitious, featuring experimental synthesiser sounds, tape loops and philosophical quotes as part of the music’s many layers. That may not sound like a recipe for popular success, but today it’s one of the best-selling albums of all time, beloved by critics and music fans around the globe.

As the music world celebrates the record’s 50th anniversary, we look at how it was created, and what’s behind its enduring popularity.

What is the point of music education, anyway?

Posted on 31st January 2023 at 10:40

Image credit: Siniz Kim, Unsplash

In the national debate about what the school curriculum should look like, music education can too often lose out when held up against ‘core’ subjects like Maths and English. You could even be forgiven for thinking that music education is a ‘nice to have’ – a ‘soft’ subject that only serves a real purpose for young people who hope to pursue a career in music.

But this couldn’t be further from the truth. This month, we explore why music education is important for everyone, and the benefits it can deliver beyond learning about music itself.