It is vital that teachers are offered a dedicated programme of continuous professional development in [Music Technology] for it to be taught effectively.
DfE, Music in Education review
We offer a tailored Continuing Professional Development (CPD) experience designed specifically for music teachers. Our approach is practical, effective, and focused on supporting professional growth. These CPD sessions are valuable for all music educators—whether classroom-based or peripatetic—who are looking to enhance and expand their skills.
Unmute CPD Offer
Composition and Technology
This Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session is designed to equip music educators with practical strategies and tools to confidently teach composition using music technology. This training provides a flexible and inclusive method to developing students’ creativity across diverse learning contexts and genres.
What you will learn
Breaking Down Composition
Learn how to demystify composition by breaking it into manageable, teachable components that engage all learners.
Integrating Music Technology into Lesson Planning
Discover how to embed music technology seamlessly into your curriculum to enhance creativity and learning outcomes.
Essential Resources and Software
Get hands-on guidance on what tools, platforms, and software (DAWs, notation tools, apps) work best for different educational settings and budgets.
DAW vs Notation
Explore the pros and cons of digital audio workstations versus notation software, and how to choose (or blend) them to suit your students’ needs.
Composition Techniques That Work
Practical tips and approaches to teach structure, harmony, rhythm, texture, and more—designed for accessibility and engagement.
Supporting Student Creativity
Learn how to guide students through creative blocks, encourage originality, and scaffold their work to build confidence and independence.
Briefs vs Free Composition
Understand the challenges of both structured and open-ended tasks—and how to support students in each scenario.
Blueprint & Flowchart of Student Support
Take away a clear framework for supporting students at every stage of the composition process, adaptable for different settings and needs.
Who is it for?
Classroom Music Teachers
Peripatetic Teachers
Heads of Music
Music Technology Assistants
Music Technicians
SEND Support Staff
Setting
Secondary Education
Further Education (FE)
Format
Available in-person or online
Customisable for individual schools, departments, or hubs
Music Technology in Education
Unlocking the Potential of Technology in the Music Classroom
This Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session explores how music technology can transform teaching and learning across primary and secondary education. We’ll examine the current landscape, practical tools, and future directions—giving educators the confidence to integrate technology effectively and inclusively into their practice.
What We’ll Cover
Where We Are: Policy, Practice & Industry
Understand the role of music technology in the context of the National Plan for Music Education (NPME), Department for Education (DfE) guidance, and the evolving demands of the music industry.
The Potential of Music Technology
Explore how technology promotes inclusion, supports SEND learners, increases student engagement, and broadens access to musical opportunities.
Applying Technology to Your Teaching
Practical strategies for integrating technology into lesson planning, classroom activities, and curriculum delivery.
Using DAWs in the Classroom
Learn how Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) can be used for lesson planning, composition, and performance—plus how to adapt workflows for students of varying abilities.
Choosing the Right DAW
Guidance on selecting a DAW that suits your teaching style, student needs, and school resources—whether it’s BandLab, Soundtrap, Logic, Ableton, or others.
Software for Theory, Aural, and Assessment
Review tools and platforms that support GCSE, A-Level, and general musicianship skills—including aural training, theory apps, and revision tools.
Digital Resources: Free & Subscription-Based
An overview of valuable digital tools, websites, and platforms (including free options) to enhance your music teaching.
Tech for Learning, Composition & Cross-Arts Work
Explore ways to use technology for composition, arranging, interdisciplinary projects, and creative expression.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Music Education
Understand the role of artificial intelligence in music education—opportunities, ethical considerations, and what’s on the horizon.
Who is it for?
Classroom Music Teachers
Peripatetic Music Teachers
Heads of Music
Music Technology Assistants
Music Technicians
SEND Support Staff
Settings Covered
Primary Education
Secondary Education
Format
Delivered in person or online
Customisable for individual schools, MATs, hubs, or training days
Ensemble Arranging and Conducting
Creative, Inclusive, and Practical Approaches to Leading School Ensembles
This CPD session is designed to empower music educators with the tools, techniques, and confidence to arrange for and lead school ensembles of all types and abilities. With a strong focus on inclusivity, creativity, and practical application, this training supports educators in creating vibrant, engaging ensemble experiences for students across primary and secondary settings.
What You’ll Learn
How to Write for School Ensembles
Guidance on creating accessible, effective arrangements for mixed-ability groups, using school-available instruments and flexible instrumentation.
Using Technology to Support Ensembles
Explore how to use notation software and DAWs to streamline arranging, rehearsing, and performing—making technology an ally in your ensemble practice.
Notation Software & DAWs
Overview of key tools like Sibelius, MuseScore, Noteflight, BandLab, and Logic—how to use them for score creation, playback, and rehearsal prep.
Repertoire Choice
Tips for selecting age-appropriate, engaging, and inclusive repertoire that balances challenge with enjoyment.
Arranging Techniques for Diverse Ensembles
Learn how to adapt music for varying skill levels, transpositions, and part flexibility—ideal for inclusive or non-standard school groups.
Effective Rehearsal Techniques
Strategies to run focused, productive rehearsals that foster student engagement, ownership, and musical growth.
Inclusive & Creative Ensemble Leadership
An introduction to the principles of leading with empathy, creativity, and responsiveness, especially in inclusive classroom or extracurricular settings.
Conducting Techniques for School Ensembles
Essential conducting skills tailored for educators—clear gestures, cueing, dynamics, and expressive leadership for young musicians.
SEND Support in Music-Making
Inclusive practices and adaptations for supporting students with SEND in ensemble settings, including sensory-friendly approaches and differentiated materials.
Fostering Agency and Social Interaction
Explore how ensemble participation builds student confidence, collaboration, and creative identity—supporting social-emotional learning through music.
Who Is It For?
Classroom Music Teachers
Peripatetic Music Teachers
Heads of Music
SEND Support Staff
Settings Covered
Primary Education
Secondary Education
Format
Available in person or online
Customisable for department INSET, music hubs, or cross-school training days
Introducing Music Technology and composition in School (KS1–KS5)
A Practical Guide to Using Music Technology Across All Key Stages
This CPD session supports educators in confidently integrating music technology into their teaching across Key Stages 1 to 5. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your practice, this training provides clear guidance, accessible tools, and creative strategies for making music tech an essential part of your curriculum.
What You’ll Learn
Boosting Your Music Technology Proficiency
Practical advice and hands-on tips for developing your own skills with music software, hardware, and digital tools—no prior experience required.
Music Software Overview: Free & Paid Options
Explore a range of DAWs, notation software, and educational platforms—from free web-based tools to full-featured industry-standard programs.
Free Resources You Can Use Today
Discover curated, high-quality free resources (including websites, lesson plans, apps, and sound libraries) to support your teaching immediately.
Integrating Music Technology into Lesson Planning
Learn how to design engaging, tech-enhanced lessons that build musical understanding, creativity, and technical skills from KS1 through KS5.
Fostering Creativity Through Music Tech
Explore student-led projects, remixing, sound design, and composition as tools to spark creativity and ownership of learning.
Supporting SEND Learners Through Technology
Use music technology to differentiate learning, increase access, and promote engagement for students with SEND, with practical examples and strategies.
Starting a Music Tech Club
Step-by-step guidance on launching and sustaining an extracurricular music tech club—including project ideas, logistics, and student-led activities.
Who Is It For?
Classroom Music Teachers
Peripatetic Music Teachers
Heads of Music
Music Technology Assistants
Music Technicians
SEND Support Staff
Settings Covered
Primary Education (KS1–KS2)
Secondary Education (KS3–KS5)
Format
Delivered in person or online
Customisable for schools, trusts, music hubs, or regional CPD programmes
Let’s work together.
Interested in our CPD? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!
DfE - Music in Education review
10.3 [...] It is important that English schools remain at the vanguard of the use of technology in the teaching of music and that we are open to the use of technology to deliver new ways of engaging students.
10.4 Separately, the resources available to support the teaching of Music Technology as a subject should be closely monitored, to ensure that the latest developments and practices are available to schools, teachers and pupils. It is vital that teachers are offered a dedicated programme of continuous professional development in this subject for it to be taught effectively.
Recommendation 33: As part of the National Music Plan, further work should be undertaken to develop a national plan for the use of technology in the delivery of Music Education - and to ensure that the workforce is up-to-date with latest developments. This review should examine how technology could enable better teaching of music (particularly in rural communities) as well as ways in which new methods of creating music that embrace technological innovation are taught in the classroom.
Extracts from the Musicians’ Union: A review of Music Education in England (2019)
10. Music Technology should be an integral part of music education both in and out of the classroom. It should not be annexed inꢀany future NPME but, rather, should be an integral part of each element moving forwards.
