Musical Inclusion Programme
Our Future Sounds Musical Inclusion Programme is focused on providing access to music for those living in the most challenging of circumstances and who, consequently, may not have the same opportunities as others to take part in high-quality music activity. We work with children, young people, and adults whose life situations create barriers to participation, using music as a tool for connection, expression, and wellbeing.
Children and young people we work with include:
- looked-after-children or those who have experienced the care system in some way
- young carers
- those suffering from mental ill-health or with additional emotional / behavioural needs
- those with SEND including physical, mental and learning disabilities and communication disorders (e.g. autism, ADHD, etc.)
- visually impaired and deaf children
- those attending pupil referral units
- those are not in employment, education or training (NEET)
We also work with adults facing similar challenges, including:
- Adult carers and former carers
- Adults with physical or mental health conditions
- People experiencing isolation or bereavement
- Adults with SEND or sensory impairments
- Refugees and asylum seekers
- Those facing socio-economic hardship or living in marginalised communities
Projects are often undertaken in partnership with other organisations, e.g: third sector agencies, local authority service providers, special schools/DSP units, alternative educational providers, community support groups.
The activities we deliver are always shaped by the views, interests, and needs of those taking part, and co-designed wherever possible.
The aim of the Musical Inclusion Programme is to develop a sustainable, inclusive musical infrastructure across Northamptonshire and Rutland – one that reflects the diversity of the 21st-century music industry and nurtures the musical and creative talents of all, regardless of age, ability, or background. Musically inclusive practice and equity of access remain at the heart of all we do.
This group meets every Monday during term time, from 4.30-5.30pm, at Northamptonshire Carers, 123 Midland Road, Wellingborough, NN8 1LU.
The project is for those aged 7-16 years and aims to improve emotional resilience, build confidence, increase musical and social skills, promote agency and independent learning, and help participants develop a sense of community. Students have access to keyboards, ukuleles, guitars, music technology, singing… and include a range of creative activities including songwriting and composition. Membership of the group is completely free, although places are limited.
Contact ssteptoe@nmpat.co.uk for more information.
These free monthly sessions are specially tailored towards the needs and abilities of children with special educational needs, communication disorders and other disabilities. However, the sessions are also very much open to all the family (both young and old).
In the session, our team of specialist artists lead participants through a wide range of different songs to suit all ages, abilities and interests. We use lots of different props to make the songs interesting and exciting (e.g. real bubbles with ‘I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles’) and we have assistive music technology (e.g. digital switches) so everyone can join in.
A signer is also present at the session and Makaton symbols are used to help some of the children understand the meaning of the song and follow the lyrics.
These free monthly sessions are specially tailored towards the needs and abilities of children with special educational needs, communication disorders and other disabilities. However, the sessions are also very much open to all the family (both young and old).
In the session, our team of specialist artists lead participants through a wide range of different songs to suit all ages, abilities and interests. We use lots of different props to make the songs interesting and exciting (e.g. real bubbles with ‘I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles’) and we have assistive music technology (e.g. digital switches) so everyone can join in.
A signer is also present at the session and Makaton symbols are used to help some of the children understand the meaning of the song and follow the lyrics.
To find out more contact ssteptoe@nmpat.co.uk
This Future Sounds programme allows attendees to unleash their creativity through beat-making and modern music production. They’re able to create, record and produce their own music, explore songwriting, instruments and studio recording.
These sessions are free for young people aged 11 to 18.
They take place on Thursdays, from 4.00pm to 6.00pm at The Compound, Hemmingwell Community Centre, 127 Nest Farm Crescent, Wellingborough, NN8 4TU
Dates: 8th, 15th and 22nd May, 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th June
Participants usually work with us over 3 days, developing and writing lyrics, then crafting these into a completed song alongside professional musicians. On the final day, the songs are recorded on-site using state-of-the-art recording equipment and then streamed on Soundcloud and available for participants to download.
Over the past few years, we have been working with Rutland County Council’s Aiming High Team, providing music activities for their Youth CHAOS group (over 18s with special education needs and disabilities) as well as groups of young carers and looked after children.
Sound Control is expressive music software for children and young people with special needs and disabilities
This is our action research project with Dr Rebecca Fiebrink who is currently a Reader in Creative Computing at the University of the Arts London’s Creative Computing Institute. Rebecca has also worked with companies including Microsoft Research, Sun Microsystems
Research Labs, Imagine Research, and Smule, and previously taught at Princeton University and Goldsmiths University of London.
Originally supported through a “Test and Explore” grant from The Paul Hamlyn Foundation, this initiative has developed a new piece of interactive music software designed to help children and young people with special needs and disabilities express themselves through sound and music.
You can download the software here.
Learn more about the software via this video on YouTube featuring our Musical Inclusion Programme and Partnership Manager, Simon Steptoe.
From time to time, we have additional resources available to support and subsidise other activities. This can include instrumental lessons, instrument hire and membership of NMPAT County Ensembles and / or attending a Saturday morning music Centre. We can also provide activities for those interested in music production and DJ-ing.
Our activities have enabled many disadvantaged young people to make substantial progress in their musical education, whether for relaxation or to help them achieve their dream to have a career in music!
- The need for further safe and inclusive/accessible music opportunities based in a variety of locations/spaces with access to musical instruments and singing
- More opportunities for participants to play music together with their peers in groups
- The need for activities to be regular but allow for flexible attendance (e.g. as capacity/health issues allow)
- Creative and expressive music activities (e.g. music clubs) that provide social interaction, supporting the development of life skills and independence, as well as peer support.
For further details about this area of work, please contact Simon Steptoe, Musical Inclusion Programme and Partnership Manager on: ssteptoe@nmpat.co.uk or through the main office on office@nmpat.co.uk or 01604 637117.
