*NEW DATE* Contemporary Curriculum Design: Building on the National Plan for Music Education

Explore how to build inclusive, flexible and relevant music curricula rooted in national guidance and 21st-century practice. Led by music specialist, Jenetta Hurst, this session offers practical strategies for music educators at all stages, with a focus on musical elements, cross-genre teaching, and contemporary context.

We’d love you to join us afterwards for drinks and refreshments at our Sound Connections social – Would Love To Meet!

In this session, we’ll explore:

• DIY Curriculum Design – building flexible and relevant music curricula from the ground up
• Elements Over Genre – focusing on musical elements as a way to teach across styles and traditions
• National Policy in Practice – how to embed national guidance and vision into everyday planning

In the contemporary music room, it is imperative to engage with modern technology, new musical trends, contemporary issues in society and to underpin this in solid theoretical foundations. This session will take a deeper dive into promoting a diverse 21st century curriculum in all settings.

Who is it for?

• Music teachers in schools
• Instrumental and peripatetic teachers
• People leading music in educational or community settings
• Young music leaders
• Aspiring music educators and leaders
• Trainee music teachers
• Early career teachers

What will you gain from this session?

• A better understanding of how to break down musical genres into manageable, teachable parts
• Practical strategies for exploring key elements and features of music
• Ideas for designing a music curriculum that is accessible and inclusive for all learners

Jenetta Hurst (she/her)

Jenetta Hurst is a music specialist, flautist, consultant and school leader with 20 years’ experience of leading secondary music in a range of settings. Jenetta is a graduate of UCL Institute of Education (MA Leadership) and her passion for staff development has been seen through leadership of the Teacher Studio for PMLL’s Every Copy Counts Campaign (2021 – 2024), writing and facilitation of training for secondary music teachers on behalf of Music Mark, and in her annual
facilitation on the Music Masters’ PGCEi.

Jenetta collaborated with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (2008 to 2012) conducting Aston Performing Arts Academy’s Inner City Orchestra, under the direction of Angela Daniels and tutelage of Alwyn Green.

Jenetta’s consultancy, The Creative Educator works with arts and educational organisations nationally, music education hubs and professional associations, providing curriculum development support, inclusive practice training and independent evaluation. Jenetta is the Chair of Trustees of Lewisham Music and is an Honorary Member of the Birmingham Conservatoire.