Every Child a
Musician
In Autumn 2010, the London Borough
of Newham began the 'Every Child a Musician' (ECaM) service
offering a unique music programme that provided a free musical
instrument and two years of free tuition to all Year 5 and Year 6
children in Newham state maintained primary schools.
'To give every Year 5 child the chance to be a musician with free
music tuition and an instrument. Every child who completes the full
two year programme will keep their free instrument.'
See the rest of the Mayor's Promises in the
Mayor's Contract
2012-13
This scheme is the only example of this type in the country and
demonstrates Newham's commitment to inclusive education and
learning.
The London Borough of Newham and the International Music Education
Research Centre (iMerc) at the Institute of Education (IoE) have
evaluated the first full year of the programme. The evaluation
measures the success and delivery of ECaM and provides suggestions
for ECaM delivery. The evaluation looked at the outcomes for
children and the views of tutors, head teachers and parents.
Download the reports available under 'Useful documents'.
Every Child a Musician was rolled out to Year 5 children in all
schools throughout the 2010/11 school year. Children are able to
continue lessons when they move up to Year 6.
Read our FAQs page to see how the scheme will affect you and
your child.
The programme gives Newham children the opportunity to receive
weekly instrumental tuition for two years and have their own
instrument, which they will be able to keep as a gift from the
Mayor if they complete the full two years.
Playing a musical instrument can enhance a child's learning
experience at school in many ways. Research has shown that musical
training enhances other types of learning.
For example it can contribute to improving literacy, creativity and
general intellectual development. Learning an instrument can help
to:
- develop your child's self confidence as they learn new skills
and make progress
- develop concentration skills which could help them in learning
other subjects
- develop self-motivation and take pride in their musical
achievement and last but not least enjoy themselves!
ECaM is now run in 61 Newham schools.
Children in Newham have fantastic opportunities and Every Child a
Musician is another chance for children to experience learning
opportunities comparable to those of other more affluent
boroughs.
If you have any queries please feel free to email:
everychildamusician@newham.gov.uk.