Focus on Whole Class Instrumental Interview with Kay Charlton, author and
whole class instrumental teacher.
Q: Why is whole class instrumental teaching important? If done well, this kind of teaching can be incredibly effective - it could be the first, or the only, opportunity a child gets to learn an instrument. It increases access to music - specifically instrumental learning, and is inclusive - everyone gets to have a go.
Q: What can WCET bring to the classroom that “ordinary” curriculum lessons don’t? Imagine being aged 7 or 8 and being given a big shiny instrument to play (I’m a brass player…), what an opportunity! Learning music through playing an instrument is hands-on, giving children the opportunity to play together, improvise, compose and perform on an instrument. Hopefully, many children will be inspired to continue with their instrument and will progress on to playing with school or Music Hub ensembles, and potentially, beyond.
