After inviting applications from consortia of local music education providers, three Pathfinder Local Authority Music Services – in Leeds, Nottingham and Hertfordshire - were commissioned to explore new approaches and structures which might ensure that more young people participate in better quality musical experiences for longer.
The following two years involved Pathfinder action research projects, where teams in Leeds, Nottingham and Hertfordshire trialled a number of learning models to find ways of engaging all young people in music-making activities, both in and out of school. The pathfinders were Music Services working in partnership with young people, schools, universities, professional music organisations and community music organisations. Alongside this a number of research and development projects were commissioned.
As the consultations with young people in the pathfinder regions began, it became clear that pathfinders needed to find different responses to young people's enthusiasms and ambitions in their music-making. Two characterstics soon became apparent in their strategies: each felt it important to informalise the way music is often taught, and to personalise the nature of the opportunities on offer.
Five core areas of enquiry emerged, which were key to understand how young people's experiences of music-making could be transformed:
Transforming Musical leadership
Personalising Music Learning
Supporting Young Musicians
Coordinating Musical Pathways
Redefining Music Training
Download our series of pamphlets for the full background and philosophy of Musical Futures as it developed.
