'Make Your Mark: Notes on Music Education' is a podcast showcasing diverse experiences and perspectives from across the music education sector.
We'll explore the major challenges faced by those working with young people in music, the challenges young people face themselves, and celebrate inspiring projects and stories from across the nation and beyond. Tune in to hear from expert guests as we tackle music education's biggest questions, highlight its most exciting initiatives, and discuss the musical journeys of those involved.
This podcast is produced by Aimee Christodoulou, Emma Cragg and Yusef Sacoor for Music Mark, a membership organisation, Subject Association, and an Arts Council England Investment Principles Support Organisation advocating for excellent musical learning in and out of school. Music Mark support their members and the wider sector through training, resources, networking and advocacy work at a national level and across the UK. This is done with a vision for accessible and excellent musical learning and engagement, inspiring and enriching the lives of all children and young people.
Tune up and tune in! Series Three of Make Your Mark is coming soon. We've got a new format, a new team, and a whole host of new and exciting discussions to share with you - as well as the same old selection of expert insights into Music Education's hottest topics!
6 Jul 2026
5: Music Therapy
In this final episode of Series 2, we explore music therapy and the therapeutic impacts of music with music therapist Graeme Davis and music education and arts leader Jane Bryant. Together, they discuss what music therapy is, how it differs from wider music-making and talking therapies, and why listening, agency and relationship-building are central to its impact. From young people and those with additional needs to people living with dementia and their carers, this conversation considers the...
1 Jun 2026
4: Pedagogy
This episode explores all things pedagogy – we're joined by Jennie Henley, Andy Shoniker and Adam Whittaker to explore some of the big questions in Music education - How do we teach Music? Is there a ‘best’ approach? What techniques help educators and those learning music access the most intellectual growth, musical progression and happiness? Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/podcast.
24 Apr 2026
3. Music in Early Childhood: Why it Matters
Following the launch of Music Mark’s ‘A Common Approach: Early Years’ programme, we discuss why early years music education is crucial for child development. Nicola Burke, Polly Ives, and Amy Campbell share their experiences and beliefs about the importance of music for young children, exploring how vital music education and exploration are, not just an enrichment activity, but as a fundamental aspect of child development. Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links ...
31 Mar 2026
2. Creative Curriculum Approaches
This episode discusses the significance of a creative curriculum in music education, exploring student engagement, innovative teaching strategies, the impact of Artsmark, and the need to build confidence in both teachers and students. The conversation also touches on the challenges of advocating for music within the curriculum and the importance of supporting teachers in their practice. This conversation explores the vital role of music education in schools, emphasising the importance of a we...
27 Feb 2026
1. Make Your Mark Live: Educational Excellence at Primary School
To launch Series Two, join us on stage at the Music Mark Conference (recorded live in November 2025). In this live recording, the Music Mark podcast team are joined by Rachel Hawker, Director of Education at Rocksteady Music School, David Rees, Chief Executive of Merton Music Foundation, Bridget Rennie, Executive Director at Mahogony Opera and Caro C from Delia Derbyshire Day to discuss educational excellence at primary school, the transformative impact of music at this level and how th...
18 Dec 2025
11. A Music Mark Christmas
The Music Mark team reflects on their personal and professional highlights of 2025, offering a glimpse into the past year's key moments.
27 Nov 2025
10. Access to Instrumental Music Making
Jo Yee Cheung, Katie Walker, and Chris Guénault discuss how their organizations are working to break down barriers and create more opportunities for young people from low-income backgrounds to access instrumental music education in this interview episode.
30 Oct 2025
9. Mental Health and Music Education
Rachael Perrin and Alex Theophilus explore the challenges young people face and how music supports mental health, highlighting the importance of educator well-being in this interview episode.
29 Sept 2025
8. Music in Higher Education
Hannah Thuraisingam Robbins, Diana Salazar, and James Prosser discuss the skills gained from a music degree, application preparation, and challenges in UK music education within higher education institutions in this interview episode.
30 Jul 2025
Environmental Sustainability
Ruth Roberts, Dr. Ross Purves, and Hannah Mears-Young examine the music education sector's role in addressing the climate crisis, discussing barriers and positive changes in this interview.
1 Jul 2025
Youth Voice & Leadership
Yasmine Dankwah, Nick Thorne, and Laura Fullwood discuss empowering young people through youth voice and leadership within organizations, highlighting the benefits of youth involvement in decision-making; this is an interview.
29 May 2025
Disability
Ben Sellers, Kris Halpin, Nicci Halpin, and Jess Fisher discuss barriers facing disabled people in music education and efforts to improve accessibility in this interview episode.
24 Apr 2025
Neurodiversity
In this episode, we’re joined by Catrina Lowri, founder of Neuroteachers, Clair Mccoll, Music Hub Manager for Octagon Music Hub and Music Mark Trustee, and Danya Rushton, a current student at the Royal College of Music, to explore the impact of neurodiversity on learners and how music educators can do more to create an inclusive and supportive sector. Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at https://www.musicmark.org.uk/make-your-m...
27 Mar 2025
Tools for Teachers
Join us as we dive into classroom music teaching and talk about tools for teachers. With Jenetta Hurst, the Creative Educator, James Manwaring from Music Teachers Association, and Abi Marrison, Music Mark’s Schools Manager, we explore the realities of teaching music, some of the changes in the profession, and provide practical advice for teachers or those considering becoming a teacher. Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and resources mentioned in episodes at http...
27 Feb 2025
Pathways Into Industry
In this episode, we explore the realities and challenges of pathways into the music industry. We’re joined by Benjamin Turner from Rap Club and The Spit Game, Tom Eagle from Musician’s Union, and Grifton Forbes-Amos, a professional trumpet player. They share their own experiences with the music industry, tell us more about what they do now, and provide advice and insights for those pursuing a career in the music industry. Find full transcripts, guest bios, as well as show notes, links and res...
28 Jan 2025
Gender Inclusivity in Music Tech
In the first episode of Make Your Mark: Notes on music education, the new Music Mark podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Eddie Dobson, Co-Director of Yorkshire Sound Women Network; Kate Rounding, Executive Director at TiME (Technology in Music Education UK); and Xanthe Sparke, Project Co-ordinator at Old Chapel Music Studios. We talked about representation in the music technology space, the challenges facing young women, transgender young people and non-binary young people and how these should be ad...
Who has been a guest on Make Your Mark: Notes on Music Education
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Jo Yee Cheung
Katie Walker
Chris Guénault
Hannah Thuraisingam Robbins
Diana Salazar
Podcast Authority Score: 4 / 100
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Quality
9
Social presence
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YouTube
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Engagement
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