As I write, large crowds are gathering for the first national NEU teachers' strike in England and Wales for over a decade. In Scotland, teachers represented by EIS continue their action in some parts of the country. There, we're also learning of proposed cuts to music services that would break earlier government pledges around instrumental tuition. The stakes seem high, with all affected.
In my home town, in England, protesters include teachers at various career stages, retired head-teachers, students, parents with pupils and members of the clergy. Support for the strike seems widespread. Marchers are accompanied by a samba group, but also a single trombone sounding long single notes – plain loud notes, not even a glissando. Perhaps the soloist has forgotten the tune, how the slide works, or feels unmotivated (deeply). I doubt I'll find out, but it is tempting to see this as a metaphor for how ‘stuck' things are and how the strike is about resources and conditions as much as pay.
This month's MT contains reasons to remain cheerful, with uplifting stories, grooves and news. With a focus on pop, rock and jazz, the issue investigates two ground-breaking initiatives – from the Abram Wilson charity and RNCM – for young artists and local grass roots. We share best practice for singing and rehearsing pop songs with KS2 and 3, and there's an ingenious introduction to chord symbols from leading jazz educator Pete Churchill, following the article on pop piano last month.
MT's tech expert Dale Wills assesses the apps and software for practising improvisers, and you'll find a review of Orange Learn's exam books for rock guitar and a reflection on the life and music of Billie Holiday. We also meet 23-year-old jazz guitarist Ralph Porrett to discuss his approach to improvisation and a couple of exciting new projects.
In other features, we learn of Birmingham's specialist tuition in non-Western instruments; of Paul Harris's wider interests and personal views on teaching; of recommended resources for the ubiquitous ukulele; and how an innovative and well-subsidised PGCE programme is serving group teaching.
Finally, we have the usual round-up of news, letters, reviews and thoughts from the MiSST and MU, the last of which invites us to complete a census for all musicians. As ever, please feel free to write in about themes you'd like covered, and keep the letters coming.
Phil Croydon, MT editor
