Music Wider Opportunities (Also known as Whole Class Instrumental & Vocal Tuition at KS2) is about all children learning an instrument and/or vocal skills together while greatly enhancing the delivery of the music curriculum. It is practical and runs as a project so children will have fun working together on something that has a clear definable aim.

In Devon, it is a whole class activity and therefore truly inclusive.

This should be seen as not a few one off projects but as part of a programme that is integrated into the normal framework of delivering music in schools.

In so doing:

• All the children experiencing making music together by learning new musical skills with their teacher with the help of a skilled specialist.
• All the children experience performing as an ensemble.
• Many children are stimulated into wanting to explore and develop performing skills for life.
• New traditions of playing and performing become embedded into the life of schools. (This could be cross curricular as well.)

Wider Opportunities is an opportunity to allow pupils to take part in as wide an experience of different music activities and genres as possible. They would then be able to make informed choices about how they might pursue music as a lifelong activity.

To ensure best value of delivery, schools should work collaboratively to share resources, knowledge and staff to deliver the programme through their Local Learning Communities.

For 2008/9 it is recommended Local Learning Community Schools spend funds on recruiting Instrumental Specialists and Community Musicians to work in collaboration with the Class Teachers to deliver Wider Opportunities.

What it means in the classroom

The Class Teacher establishes the curriculum objectives/aims. The Instrumental Specialist or Community Musician agrees with the Class Teacher a programme to teach the class how to play the instrument in a way that compliments those aims.

Sessions could typically run for an hour and could include:

• Session to establish/reinforce general music skills required for the programme and can involve warm ups.
• Improving skills on the instrument.
• Opportunities to perform, reflect and evaluate.

If you are not yet part of the Wider Opportunities programme and would like to be involved, please contact your local Music Development Leader.  

Further information on Wider Opportunities in Devon 2009

Hiring instruments from the Music Service for Wider Opportunities