At Shireland CBSO Academy in West Bromwich, the school day begins with a symphony of sounds. From steel pans to string orchestras, the corridors echo with melodies as students immerse themselves in music.This unique state school, the first in the UK to partner with a professional orchestra—the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO)—has made music the heartbeat of its curriculum.
“every morning, as the gates open, you see children carrying instruments of all shapes and sizes. It’s become a natural part of our culture,” says David Green, the school’s principal.Music isn’t confined to dedicated classes; it’s woven into every subject, creating a holistic learning experience. Each student is provided with a free instrument and weekly tuition, thanks to the Black Country Music Hub.
Music at the Core of Education
Table of Contents
- 1. Music at the Core of Education
- 2. The Decline of Music Education
- 3. A Vision for the Future
- 4. The Growing Crisis in Music Education: A Call to Action
- 5. Shireland Collegiate Academy: A Beacon of Hope
- 6. Leveling the Playing Field
- 7. Revolutionizing Music Education: How Schools and Orchestras Are Joining Forces
- 8. A Blueprint for Inclusive Music Education
- 9. Breaking Barriers in Disadvantaged Areas
- 10. The Transformative Power of Music
- 11. What are the benefits of the partnership between Shireland Collegiate Academy and the CBSO?
- 12. A Model for the Future
- 13. A Call to Action
Shireland CBSO Academy isn’t just about teaching music—it’s about fostering creativity and confidence.The school hosts Christmas and summer concerts, after-school clubs, and weekly ensemble classes. CBSO musicians regularly visit to inspire students with demonstrations and talks, while school trips to orchestra performances bring lessons to life.
“We’re different, but we’re a school for everyone,” Green emphasizes. “It doesn’t matter if a child has never touched an instrument before. What matters is their willingness to learn and grow.” This inclusive approach has made the academy a beacon of hope in a landscape where music education is increasingly under threat.
The Decline of Music Education
Across the UK, music education in state schools is facing a crisis. GCSE music entries dropped by 12.5% from 2022 to 2023, while A-level music entries plummeted by 45% between 2010 and 2023. Overstretched budgets and limited resources have left many schools unable to offer high-quality music programs, leading to a decline in student interest.
“The situation is alarming,” says a local music teacher.“Without access to instruments and proper instruction, many children are missing out on the transformative power of music.” Shireland CBSO Academy stands as a counterpoint to this trend, proving that with the right support, music can thrive in any school.
A Vision for the Future
As the academy grows, its mission remains clear: to make music accessible to all. With plans to expand to 900 students, the school is setting a new standard for music education. “We want every child to feel thay belong here,” Green says. “Music isn’t just a subject—it’s a way of life.”
The Growing Crisis in Music Education: A Call to Action
Music education in state schools is facing a critical challenge.With fewer teaching hours dedicated to music and a decline in the number of specialist teachers, the opportunity for young people to engage with music is becoming increasingly limited. Matt Griffiths, CEO of Youth Music, a national charity supporting young musicians, warns, ”Music is at risk of becoming a privilege for the few, rather than a right for all.”
Youth Music’s recent report, based on interviews with over 2,000 young people, highlights a stark contradiction. While music is often cited as a favorite activity among students, its presence in schools is dwindling. Griffiths emphasizes, “If music isn’t integrated into school life, it’s hard for young people to connect with it. Yet, there’s a genuine passion and eagerness for music among them.”
Shireland Collegiate Academy: A Beacon of Hope
Amidst this crisis, Shireland Collegiate academy in Sandwell, West Midlands, is leading the charge to make music accessible to all. The school, which opened in 2023, currently has 300 students and plans to expand to 900 at full capacity. Every student is encouraged to take GCSE music, ensuring that music remains a core part of their education.
David Harris, the school’s director of music, is at the forefront of this initiative. “We want to break down barriers and make music accessible to everyone, regardless of their background,” he says.Instruments are provided free of charge, and students are encouraged to explore a wide range of musical styles, from classical tubas to traditional tablas.
Year 7 pupil Tobias is a shining example of the program’s success. After picking up the viola for the first time just a few months ago, he now proudly showcases his progress. “Tuesdays are my favorite day as of my music lesson and ensemble practice,” he shares.”It’s made me more responsible and disciplined. I used to spend hours playing video games, but now I’m always practicing my viola.”
Leveling the Playing Field
Located in one of England’s most deprived areas, Shireland Collegiate Academy is committed to leveling the playing field.With 38% of its students eligible for free school meals, the school is resolute to ensure that financial constraints don’t hinder access to music education. ”We’re not just teaching western classical music,” says Harris. “We’re embracing diverse musical traditions and giving students the tools to express themselves creatively.”
Students also have access to state-of-the-art recording studios and are encouraged to form bands based on their musical interests. This holistic approach not only nurtures talent but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration among students.
As schools like Shireland Collegiate Academy demonstrate, music education has the power to transform lives. By addressing the current crisis and investing in accessible, inclusive programs, we can ensure that music remains a vibrant and essential part of every child’s education.
Revolutionizing Music Education: How Schools and Orchestras Are Joining Forces
Imagine a world where every child,regardless of their background,has access to world-class music education. This vision is becoming a reality at shireland Collegiate Academy, where the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) is playing a pivotal role in transforming the school’s curriculum. By integrating music into daily school life, this innovative partnership is setting a new standard for cultural education.
A Blueprint for Inclusive Music Education
Catherine Arlidge, a violinist with the CBSO and a key figure in this initiative, believes that broadening access to music education can create a more inclusive and representative industry. “If we have a broader pipeline into the music industry, we will be more relevant, more inclusive, and more representative,” she explains. Arlidge, who also serves on the school’s performance and standards committee, envisions a future where every major arts institution partners with a local school to specialize in disciplines like theatre, film, dance, or visual arts.
“imagine the impact if every community had a state school specializing in the arts,” she adds. “It could revolutionize cultural education and provide students with real choices about their creative futures.”
Breaking Barriers in Disadvantaged Areas
Shireland Collegiate Academy’s partnership with the CBSO is not the only initiative of its kind. Across the UK, similar projects are bringing orchestras into schools in underserved areas, aiming to break down barriers to music education. However, Shireland’s approach stands out by fully embedding music into the school’s daily routine, creating a model that could inspire other institutions.
Sir Mark Grundy, the school’s executive principal, emphasizes the importance of sharing this model. “It’s open source—there’s nothing secret here,” he says. “If others see something positive and want to adapt it, that’s fantastic. Our goal is to create a ripple effect that benefits students everywhere.”
The Transformative Power of Music
Music has long been recognized for its ability to inspire, educate, and bring people together. By integrating professional musicians into the classroom, Shireland Collegiate Academy is not only nurturing the next generation of artists but also fostering creativity, discipline, and teamwork among its students.This unique collaboration between schools and orchestras could pave the way for a more vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape.
What are the benefits of the partnership between Shireland Collegiate Academy and the CBSO?
D Collegiate Academy. Photograph: Andrew Fox/The GuardianCatherine Arlidge, a violinist with the CBSO, is one of the many professionals bringing their expertise to Shireland Collegiate Academy. ”It’s about more than just teaching music,” she explains. “It’s about inspiring confidence, creativity, and a sense of belonging. When students see professionals performing and teaching, it opens up a world of possibilities for them.”
The partnership between Shireland Collegiate Academy and the CBSO is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration. By combining the resources and expertise of a world-renowned orchestra with the vision of a forward-thinking school, this initiative is breaking down barriers and making high-quality music education accessible to all.
A Model for the Future
Shireland Collegiate Academy’s approach to music education is not just about nurturing future musicians; it’s about equipping students with skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Research has shown that music education can improve academic performance, enhance social skills, and boost self-esteem. By embedding music into the curriculum, the academy is helping students develop a well-rounded set of skills that will serve them well in any career path they choose.
As the academy continues to grow, its partnership with the CBSO will remain a cornerstone of its mission.”We’re not just creating musicians; we’re creating well-rounded individuals who are confident,creative,and capable of achieving their dreams,” says David Harris,the school’s director of music. “Music is a powerful tool for personal and social development,and we’re committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to experience its benefits.”
A Call to Action
The success of Shireland Collegiate Academy and its partnership with the CBSO serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of music education. As schools across the country face budget cuts and a decline in music programs, initiatives like this offer a blueprint for how to keep music alive in our schools.
“music education shouldn’t be a luxury; it should be a fundamental part of every child’s education,” says Matt Griffiths, CEO of Youth Music. “We need to invest in programs that make music accessible to all, regardless of their background or financial situation.The benefits are too great to ignore.”
By supporting schools like Shireland Collegiate Academy and fostering partnerships between schools and cultural institutions, we can ensure that music remains a vibrant and essential part of education for generations to come.
As the academy continues to expand and inspire, its message is clear: music has the power to transform lives, and every child deserves the chance to experience its magic.
