Rebecca Lindsay, Music Co-ordinator
“Our school has been very impressed with the impact that the Apollo Music Projects has had on the children’s learning. Not only have they been able to access the music curriculum in a lively and engaging manner, but they have also benefited in other areas of their education. Many of the students involved have found that listening to classical music had a calming affect on them and mentioned that they work well when music is played in the classroom. Indeed the teachers who have been a part of this programme have noticed that their classes are more open to listening to classical music after starting the project and that the concentration of the children improves as the project progresses. The children also become better able to discuss ideas around music, the science of sound and the expressive elements of the music they hear.
Of course many children have been keen to take up an instrument once they have seen and heard the instruments of the orchestra played live and those already playing have been further inspired to progress. One great example of this is a boy in year 4 who has had many behavioural issues since starting school however, after starting the Apollo Music Project he has begun to practise with renewed passion. As a result he has now been chosen to go onto a gifted and talented music register allowing him to receive individual tuition. Naturally his confidence and interest in succeeding in all areas at school has vastly improved”.
Rebecca Lindsay
Music Co-ordinator, Sir Thomas Abney Primary School
Teachers’ comments 2014
Seeing their stories come to life with the improvisation of the quartet really took them on an adventure and made the goosebumps rise on all our arms!
It was incredible to see the children transfixed on the orchestra with instruments many of them had never seen before. For some children who struggle with their creativity, seeing their stories come to life with the improvisation of the quartet really took them on an adventure and made the goosebumps rise on all our arms! Since the project, we have used music in our literacy lessons to help build suspense and atmosphere in our writing and many children have told me they want to play an instrument! Could you play for us every week?! –
Amy Frankau, Orchard Primary School
We have absolutely loved working with Apollo Music Projects. The opportunities that it has created have been invaluable and they have opened the children’s eyes to something totally new. I have never seen my class so engrossed by music and to then listen to them comment on Beethovens 6th Symphony was incredible! Thank you!
Catherine Sutcliffe, Rushmore Primary School
Since working with Apollo Music Projects my class have shown an appreciation for all new types of music, but particularly classical music pieces which they would possibly not hear anywhere else. They are now able to clearly state what they hear in the music, either discussing an emotional response or using their broadening musical vocabulary to explain what they hear. They have further developed the skills of listening and are now able to listen for enjoyment or critically discuss why musicians and composers make the choices they do for their audiences.
Juliet Forsyth, Springfield Community Primary School
Zoë Martlew, cellist & music education expert
“The Apollo Music Project works. I had the good fortune to attend a workshop performance day in Hackney with several hundred children from local primary schools who had been systematically trained in the art of listening to classical music through demonstration and performance from live musicians. Players introduced the children to the sounds of each instrument, playing excerpts and introducing basic structural concepts from the pieces to be performed, thus providing the audience – including teachers – with comprehensible means of navigating a piece of classical music which might otherwise simply float over their heads.
The engaging manner of the players, the excellence of performance, and the sound quality of information imparted led to an impressive result. The children not only sat still and listened to about an hour’s music, but were also clearly enjoying the experience. They rushed up to chat to players at the end of the session when invited to ask questions about the instrument, about the musician and their life in music, and hear music played for them close at hand.
It’s no surprise to hear that these same children have now happily sat through entire Beethoven symphonies in concert, given these tools for listening. Once again showing that everyone, regardless of background, race or creed, has the potential to be touched by the great art music of our age given the opportunity to a) know about it b) experience it in live performance.
Apollo Music Projects is performing the greatest service in building audiences for classical music, laying foundations for its future existence and building bridges between performers and communities. It deserves recognition and support at the highest possible level.”
Paul Broadhurst, Greater London Authority (Music)
“I would say that AMP really understand the potential which brilliantly performed, imaginatively presented, live music can have for school children. There is a lot more instrumental music making going on in primary schools these days, however opportunities are limited for listening at close quarters to music performed extremely well. The chance to hear and meet musicians is vital in stimulating children’s imaginations and giving them a clear example of the thrill of making music with other people.
The notion of presenting a concert is not a new one, but explaining complex musical themes and structures in a way which engages children requires subtlety and skill. Through a structured listening programme AMP musicians and students break music down into its very building blocks and come to understand a little of its magic – how music can tell a story, conjure feelings or generate new ideas. Music is the perfect entry route into learning about almost any subject, and by working closely with teachers, it is possible for projects such as AMP’s to become a significant part of all children’s learning.”
Paul Broadhurst
Senior Cultural Policy Officer – Music
Greater London Authority