Over 80 music educators came together last week for the annual West Sussex Music Primary and SEND Music Conference, enjoying a day packed with inspiring workshops, practical ideas and opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the region.
Held at Haywards Heath College last Thursday, the conference welcomed primary school teachers, music leads and educators for a programme designed to build confidence, share best practice and celebrate the vital role of music in education.
Throughout the day, delegates took part in a variety of hands-on workshops led by expert practitioners. Among the standout sessions were workshops delivered by Aga Serugo-Lugo, Shivani Rattan, Jo Eames, Alex Bondonno, and Fiona Bull, each offering fresh ideas, practical classroom strategies and plenty of inspiration for teachers to take back to their schools.
One of the day’s most talked-about sessions was an engaging DJ workshop led by Deen Nauthoa, which introduced delegates to the creative possibilities of DJing while breaking down common misconceptions about the craft. Participants discovered the musical skills involved and explored how the art of DJing can inspire creativity and engage young people in music-making.
There was also plenty of opportunities to informally network, which allowed teachers to exchange ideas, build new connections and strengthen the supportive music education community across West Sussex.
The conference concluded with a live music performance, with everyone having a chance to join in, providing a fitting finale to the day and creating an opportunity for delegates to relax and celebrate.
Jane Swindells, Primary Curriculum Manager who oversaw the event for West Sussex Music, said:
“Our music conference is all about giving teachers the confidence, inspiration and practical ideas they need to create meaningful musical experiences for children. It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm throughout the day, with delegates embracing new ideas, sharing experiences and making valuable connections with colleagues. We’d like to thank everyone who attended, along with our fantastic workshop leaders, for making the event such a success.”
The annual conference forms part of West Sussex Music’s ongoing commitment to supporting schools and teachers through high-quality professional development, helping to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the benefits of music education.
To find out more about how West Sussex Music supports schools, go here.
