On the blog this week, Dr. Simon Brown, Director of Education at the Music Learning Collective in Nottingham shares how their multi-partnership Arts Award Discover project transformed the lives of their young people, built their creative confidence, and enabled them to unlock their full potential.
The Music Learning Collective (MLC) is dedicated to providing accessible, inclusive, and dynamic music education. With a focus on experiential learning and community engagement, MLC empowers individuals to reach their full potential in the creative industries.
For Arts Award advisers and educators dedicated to inclusive arts education, the Music Learning Collective’s (MLC) Community Short Breaks programme offers a compelling case study. Designed for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), this initiative demonstrates the profound impact of integrating the Arts Award framework into creative programming.
In 2023, Nottingham City Council (NCC) were successful in securing funding for Community Short Breaks through the Department for Education (DfE). NCC subsequently sought providers to deliver a range of reliable Short Breaks activities for children and young people with disabilities. Short Breaks provide opportunities for disabled children and young people to play and socialise, whilst giving their families and primary carers a break.
These opportunities can include evening activities such as youth groups, weekend activities and school holiday clubs. NCC were looking at Community Short Breaks for disabled children over the age of 8 years and particularly for those with disabilities, complex health needs and behaviour that challenges.
In collaboration with Community Catalysts, NCC commissioned the MLC to provide Short Breaks to children and young people over the course of six months, beginning in January 2024. It was delivered in partnership with Impacd C.I.C, Source Distribution. and Ardour Healthcare Services.
The programme was implemented with the goal of fostering inclusive musical experiences and promoting holistic development among participants. Through activities for Part A of Discover including music production, composing music for film, foley, podcasting and voice-overs, participants experienced the transformative power of music and the arts.
The results were inspiring! Participants worked collaboratively to design and record all of the foley, music, and voice-over for this short animation.
For Part B (Find out), the young people researched influential artists and sound designers, such as Hans Zimmer and Jim Carrey’s work in sound-driven performances. They explored how these creators shaped their fields and incorporated those insights into their projects.
Participants presented their work during a celebratory sharing session for Part C (Share), which was attended by peers and programme facilitators. This event not only highlighted their creative achievements but also allowed them to build confidence through public speaking and group interactions. The sharing session became a platform for participants to express their growth, with parents and facilitators applauding their dedication and creativity.
Upon completion of the pilot, the MLC conducted an Impact Study, which employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Post-course assessments were conducted, including standardised musical ability tests and questionnaires. Additionally, observations, interviews, and feedback from parents, teachers, and participants were gathered to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pathway's impact.
In addition to the creative output of the sessions, participants demonstrated:
Feedback was gathered from the participants about what they initially expected from the programme, what they enjoyed the most and their least favourite aspect, so that we could reflect and redesign elements as we take this initiative forwards. Here’s one of the participants, Luca, providing his own testimony towards the end of the project.
Beyond the individual benefits, the programme created a model for inclusive arts education:
An incredible 100% of participants who attended at least three sessions achieved Arts Award Discover. This success not only highlights the accessibility of Arts Award but also demonstrates its potential to celebrate the achievements of all young people, regardless of their starting point.
The success of MLC’s Short Breaks programme is a testament to the power of Arts Award to transform lives. By giving young people with SEND the opportunity to explore and express their creativity, we can help them unlock their full potential.
For more information about MLC’s inspiring work, visit www.musiclearningcollective.com or follow them on social @musiclearningcollective.
Photo by Music Learning Collective