South Coast Music Partnership Conference

Welcome to the South Coast Music Partnership's Music Conference 2026

Join us on Thursday 8 January 2026 for a powerful day of inspiration, collaboration, and professional growth at the South Coast Music Partnership Conference, hosted in the Sir James Matthews Building, Guildhall Square, Southampton, in partnership with Turner Sims and the University of Southampton Department of Music.

This year’s theme Inspiring Minds, Shaping Futures: Driving Excellence in Music Education, invites educators, practitioners, and leaders to come together to explore bold ideas, share best practices, and ignite new thinking around the future of music learning.

Highlights include:

Dynamic Keynotes & Workshops

Jimmy Rotherham – Renowned for his work on transforming music education through Kodály-inspired approaches, Jimmy will share practical KS2 musical games and strategies that make learning fun, inclusive, and deeply musical. His keynote will explore why music should be treated as a core entitlement, practical strategies for embedding singing and rhythm games into daily teaching, and confidence-building tips for non-specialist teachers. Expect hands-on ideas for KS2 musical games and inspiring stories from Feversham Primary Academy—showing how music can boost learning, wellbeing, and inclusion.

Uzambezi Arts – Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds and traditions of African music and dance, exploring authentic drumming techniques, cultural storytelling, and movement, offering a powerful way to bring global music into your classroom and inspire creativity.

World Music Method – Join Ed Bateman to discover the World Music Method, a unique approach to introducing global musical traditions in an accessible, engaging way. showing how to integrate diverse styles into your curriculum, broaden cultural understanding, and create inclusive learning experiences for all students.

Sounds of Intent – Delivered by Professor Adam Ockelford, The Amber Trust. The Sounds of Intent framework, developed by Professor Adam Ockelford, maps musical development for children with complex needs. This innovative model helps teachers and families engage children at every level—from sensory exploration to creating patterns and full compositions—unlocking music as a powerful tool for communication, confidence, and joy.

Science Meets Music – Ricky Tart collaborates with Ian Williams, Professor of Applied Environmental Science to explore the fascinating intersection of sound, science, and creativity. This session blends performance, experimentation, and discussion, offering innovative ideas for cross-curricular projects that bring STEM and the arts together in exciting ways.

Practical Skills & Creative Approaches

How to create and conduct ensembles - delivered by Kevin Withell. Is it possible to combine instrumentalists with those that can’t play? How do I conduct? This session will answer both of those questions!

Developing and conducting singing in the primary classroom - with ABRSM.

Creative composition - with Patrick Bailey. Explore London Sinfonietta’s award winning Composition Challenges programme, which empowers students to create their own music inspired by contemporary composers. Perfect for teachers looking to boost creativity and confidence in the classroom.

Developing creative ensembles - learn how to build vibrant, student-led ensembles with Sam Mason that encourage collaboration, improvisation, and ownership of music-making. Sam’s approach focuses on nurturing creativity while developing essential ensemble skills, making it ideal for both classroom and extracurricular settings.

Music Tech innovations - Step into state-of-the-art music technology facilities with Matt Brombley and experience the tools shaping the future of music education. This is your chance to explore industry-standard technology and discover how to bring these ideas back into your classroom.

Charanga’s YuStudio DAW – Discover how to bring music production into your classroom with Charanga’s cloud-based DAW. YuStudio makes it easy for students to compose, mix, and produce music on any device, with built-in tutorials, ready-made projects, and tools for inclusive learning. Perfect for introducing music technology from KS2 upwards, even if you’re not a tech specialist!

Industry Insights & Partnerships

Neil Simpson - Drawing on over 25 years in the global music industry, Neil will share strategies for artist management, navigating streaming platforms, and building sustainable careers. His session offers practical advice for educators looking to inspire students about real-world music pathways.

Phil Nelson – a leading figure in artist management and music business strategy, will share insider knowledge on how the music industry works today, from streaming and royalties to artist development and live performance opportunities, prefect for inspiring students about real world pathways into the industry.

Lead school info bursts - providing big ideas in bite-sized sessions – helping schools stay connected, informed, and inspired. Sessions will include partnership working, working with the music industry, strategies for supporting SEND in mainstream

The conference will also feature

An accessible Instrument and tech library exhibition and drop-in exhibitions from some of the workshop deliverers and chance to talk more about their work

This is your chance to connect, learn, and be inspired by experts across music education, technology, and inclusion. Whether you’re passionate about creative composition, cultural diversity, or preparing for curriculum deep dives, there’s something for everyone!

Click HERE to book your place.

Click HERE for further information including getting to and from the venue, food and other FAQ.

Click HERE for a timetable of the day.

Be part of a movement that’s shaping the future of music education. Let’s inspire minds and drive excellence - together.