Music in curriculum leading to pupil benefits

A musician-in-residence scheme in a Nottinghamshire primary school has improved pupils’ concentration and behaviour, and created “excitement for learning”, according to a new report.

The three-year musician-in-residence scheme at Oak Tree Primary School in Mansfield has been running since 2023.

Funded by Mansfield District Council, the scheme is run by Nottingham-based MishMash Productions, an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.

The report by MishMash, which covers the first year of the scheme, also found that social interaction between pupils had improved, along with their confidence and self-esteem, mood and aspiration.

It also said that there was evidence that the use of music had helped pupils with remembering what they have been taught at school.

Oak Tree Primary is in one of Mansfield’s most deprived areas, with 80% of pupils on free school meals – well above the national average of 25%.

The residency involves a musician, Erika Zeckser Owen, working across the curriculum for 10 days every term.

All year groups in the 211-pupil school are included in the scheme, although slightly more time is given to younger pupils.

‘Creative and collaborative approach’

Zeckser Owen said it was “a privilege” to work with the staff and children at the school.

She added: “The children are so welcoming, it’s a joy to experience the wonder of something new in their eyes during each visit.  

“In addition to the positive impact on children’s learning, the staff and I are equally being impacted by this new creative and collaborative approach to lesson planning and delivery.”

Some of the ways Zeckser Owen has worked with the pupils include using music to demonstrate scientific principles, utilising songs to aid rote learning, and providing mindfulness and meditation sessions.

In English lessons, teachers have used music to assist with storytelling and to create an atmosphere that helps with descriptive writing.

Science lessons have involved instruments being used in sound experiments and in teaching the life cycles of butterflies and frogs.

Music has also been effectively used in art, maths, geography, history and PE.

‘A wonderful opportunity’

Oak Tree teacher Kathryn Greenwood, who leads on music at the school, said the programme “has provided our children with a wonderful opportunity to experience music in a variety of ways”. 

“They have had the chance to see and hear the music up close and experienced the immediacy of a live performer changing the tempo, the pitch, even the mood of the music, right before their eyes.” 

She continued: “They have then responded to this music in a variety of ways in different lessons; as a stimulus for writing stories, counting rhythms in maths lessons, and been able to investigate how the violin produces sounds in science lessons, as well as many other exciting activities.

“All of the children are able to access and be a part of these events and their learning is enhanced as a result.”

Zeckser Owen has also worked with children who have special educational needs and disabilities, who make up about 12% of the school roll.

Greenwood added: “Erika is now a valued member of our school community and having music run through all areas of our curriculum is a significant benefit for all at Oak Tree.”

The MishMash musician-in-residence scheme currently runs in four primary schools in England.

MishMash CEO Liz Muge said: “Our musicians collaborate with school staff to creatively enhance curriculum delivery, support wellbeing initiatives, increase student engagement, and contribute to staff development.

“In every school this project has run, there have been examples of children who are typically withdrawn or those who may exhibit challenging behaviours who have shown significantly improved engagement and behaviour.”