The Music Lab: ‘Musical voice’ and ‘learner voice’ in instrumental classical music education
Added to website 15/01/2025.
This briefing introduces two different aspects of youth voice in instrumental music education: ‘musical voice’ and learner voice’. It is aimed at music teachers and anyone else involved in instrumental music teaching and learning, with a particular focus on classical music.
The ideas outlined in this briefing were generated during a two-day workshop called The Music Lab. The aim was to explore how young people’s voices could be embedded into instrumental classical music education. The project also asked young people how classical music might change if their voices were listened to.
This took place at Lewisham Music, led by Sound Connections and researcher Anna Bull, with music facilitator Isabella Mayne, youth worker Jacob Sakil, and project manager Liz Coomb. Jenn Raven was involved in designing and planning the project.
This briefing includes discussion or reflection questions for instrumental music teachers to help think through how to introduce the concepts of ‘musical voice’ and ‘learner voice’ in their teaching. It can be used as part of training for instrumental teachers, or as a reflective tool for teachers wanting to develop their practice around youth voice.
Next Step
If you are new to principles of youth voice, you may wish to start with The Music Lab – A Toolkit for Exploring Youth Voice within Music-Making Practices in Classical Music which introduces ‘youth voice’ in the context of instrumental music teaching.
About the Provider
Sound Connections
Our mission is to ensure that all children and young people can experience music and creative opportunities that are relevant to them and responsive to their needs in a changing world.
