Trinity College London (TCL) has announced the launch of the first ‘fully inclusive’ music qualifications for people of all ages with learning difficulties.
Using the Sounds of Intent Framework of Musical Development, the qualifications have been designed for any music setting, including the classroom, one-to-one lessons, and community settings, and will be available from September 2022.
As with TCL and Rocksteady’s new qualification for primary children, the Awards and Certificates in Musical Development are assessed through ongoing observation.
They are designed to recognise learners’ achievements at Sounds of Intent Levels 2-6, and qualifications range from Entry Level 1 to Level 3, which carries UCAS points.
Sounds of Intent - established by the University of Roehampton, the UCL Institute of Education, and the Royal National Institute of Blind People in 2002 - works to recognise musical engagement in everyone, from young children to those with profound learning difficulties and advanced musicians on the autism spectrum.
Adam Ockelford, professor of music at the University of Roehampton and founder of Sounds of Intent said: ‘I'm thrilled about the new initiative by Trinity College London, which will mean that, for the first time, all children and young people, no matter what their abilities or needs, will be able to have their musical achievements formally recognised.’
Francesca Christmas, director of music at Trinity College London, said: ‘Musical learning is a fundamental right for all in education.
‘Therefore, the opportunity for children and young people’s music-making to be celebrated through formal recognition, which can be key to unlocking life-changing funding and support, should also be universally available.
‘Trinity is delighted to be working alongside schools, teachers, and other organisations to make this possible through the Sounds of Intent Framework of Musical Development.’
The qualifications have no access criteria and are open to any UK school or other organisation that works with learners with special educational needs, additional support needs, or disabilities.
Organisations can register their interest, and specification and validation information will be published later this summer.
