Back in 2012, the Government's National Plan for Music Education called for a new, non-mandatory qualification that would recognise the work of music educators and provide opportunities to develop their teaching methods. Just over a year ago, East Sussex Music Hub responded to this call with the launch of its Certificate for Music Educators (CME).
The CME has been developed through a process of open consultation with music educators and hopes to provide them with a new route. The flexible Level 4 qualification was established by Simon Lock (East Sussex Music) and David Rose (Music for Bedford Borough). It has been validated by Trinity College London and uses material written by author and lecturer Gary Spruce.
‘We have numerous fantastic musicians and teachers within an incredibly diverse workforce,’ states Lock. ‘Name another workforce which has such an impact on young people without formal training. There is so little time and money for music CPD in the current education climate. The CME is a key strand in supporting a workforce which is vital to the development of culture and key skills for young people.’
The CME develops music practitioners’ knowledge of pedagogy by exploring current theories and best practices in education, thereby helping them to progress as effective teachers. The course aims to enhance educators’ contributions to young people's musical education by consolidating an understanding of the purposes of music education with developing new skills. ‘The UK has a reputation for the finest music education,’ adds Lock. ‘In a very difficult time for music and arts education nationally, our instrumental teachers are increasingly becoming the only formal music education some students are able to get.’
Word about the CME has spread fast, with participants as far afield as New Zealand applying for the course. While the qualification is currently only valid in the UK, the course is the course is delivered online and therefore available worldwide. ‘We have had many enquiries from abroad, and it is encouraging to see people do the course simply because they want to learn and develop,’ comments Lock. The CME has become popular beyond East Sussex thanks to its accessibility: webinars and materials are available online, while tutorials and face-to-face sessions are offered where possible. These materials, varying from readings and audios to video materials, are downloaded from the CME portal.
A supportive structure
From the start, participants are assigned a mentor to provide support and, according to one participant, ‘keep the momentum going’. Verified mentors not working for East Sussex Music are also available so that those further afield in the UK can maintain regular contact, including one-on-one sessions and lesson observations. ‘Each learner is observed by their mentor undertaking work appropriate to their context,’ explains Lock. ‘This might be through a lesson, workshop, or studio session. The observation will have a focus, agreed between the learner and their mentor, which further provides evidence of learning and application of skills towards the portfolio. The learner submits their tasks to their mentor and feedback is provided.’ Once the tasks have been completed and accepted by the mentor, the tasks form the portfolio of evidence required to complete the CME.
The CME's five modules, which amount to 32 credits, are progressive in their approach. ‘When creating the qualification, we asked ourselves “What do students need in the 21st century?” Equality, diversity, and inclusion have never been more important,’ says Lock. Following a preparatory module, the course includes components such as safeguarding in music education; promoting and understanding young people; planning for musical learning; reflective practice; and professional development. ‘The CME has enabled me to better plan inclusive lessons for all children from a variety of backgrounds who have different needs,’ was the feedback from one educator.
Who is the CME for?
The aim of the CME is to provide a programme for all music leaders working across genres and age groups – peripatetic instrumental teachers, class teachers who want to specialise in music, community musicians, and workshop leaders. ‘There is a real variety in the people who do the qualification,’ says Lock. ‘For example, qualified primary school teachers do it to specialise and understand music better; leaders who are not qualified as teachers, such as community musicians running a youth rock studio, do it to enable their expertise to be nationally recognised. The age of participants also varies a lot, although it tends to be within the range of 20- to 50-year-olds.’
The CME course is technically an online course, however, the real gain for participants is the application of the skills and knowledge into practical use in day-to-day teaching. For this reason, applicants must demonstrate that they regularly teach. The other important element is ensuring you have the time to undertake the course, which takes 185 hours on average. This includes the time spent teaching so that the methods in the modules can be put into practice. Training sessions and tutorials are held in the evenings, weekends, or recorded enabling participants to schedule the course around other commitments.
‘Creative teaching is vital,’ says Lock. ‘The skills learned stretch far beyond the classroom. It's not just about musical training but the ability to adapt, have confidence, and use your skills to help people from all backgrounds.’ Lock himself has spent 15 years in music education management, coming through an informal route to instrumental teaching. ‘I see countless wonderful players who are enthusiastic and committed to teaching the next generation of musicians. There is a difference between instrumental skill, inherent knowledge, and formal teacher training; I believe they must all exist if we are to maintain an outstanding workforce for the future. The CME aims to plug the gap between informal and formal training in an accessible way.’
The cost of the CME is £775.00. You may be able to get assistance from your employer. Contact Simon Lock at music-cme@eastsussex.gov.uk
